Pakistan’s Underneath-19 group have a good time a wicket in opposition to Bangladesh in Dubai on December 19, 2025. — PCB
WINDHOEK: Former first-class cricketer and present West Indies Underneath-19 head coach Rohan Nurse has recognized three of essentially the most difficult gamers in Pakistan’s U19 aspect and tipped the group as a powerful contender to succeed in the event’s semi-finals.
The Underneath-19 World Cup is scheduled to happen in Zimbabwe and Namibia from immediately (January 15) to February 6.
Talking completely to Geo Tremendous, Nurse spoke extremely of Pakistan’s rising gamers, singling out openers Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib, together with quick bowler Mohammad Sayyam, for particular reward.
“There are talented players such as Sameer Minhas, young Umar Zaib, and Mohammad Sayyam, who will bring excitement to this tournament,” Nurse mentioned.
When requested to foretell the highest 4 semi-finalists, Nurse recognized Pakistan as a powerful contender however prevented naming a definitive listing, citing the abundance of expertise throughout groups that makes the event extremely unpredictable and aggressive.
“There are several teams with talented players, and that ultimately means that they all have a chance of qualifying for the final of the tournament. Pakistan is definitely one of the teams that have an excellent chance of doing so, along with many others. This should lead to the tournament being an exciting one,” he added.
Nurse additionally lauded the inexperienced shirts for his or her outstanding ability and depth, noting their spectacular performances within the lately concluded ACC Males’s U19 Asia Cup and the squad’s potential to make a big impression in upcoming tournaments.
“The Pakistan team is an extremely talented side, and this was very evident in their performances in the recently concluded Asia Cup. There are many players in the squad that are game changers,” he mentioned.
For the unversed, the Pakistan U19 group, led by Farhan Yousuf, clinched the ACC Males’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 title with a commanding 191-run victory over arch-rivals India. Batting first, Pakistan posted 347-8 earlier than dismissing India for simply 156 runs.
Sameer Minhas stole the highlight, scoring a blistering 172 within the closing to earn the Participant of the Match award.
He was additionally named Participant of the Collection, amassing 471 runs in 5 video games at an astonishing common of 157.00 and a strike charge of 117.45, together with one fifty and two centuries.
Nurse additionally expressed satisfaction along with his Caribbean group’s preparation for the event, emphasising the worth of latest observe classes and warm-up matches in boosting group confidence.
“Preparation has gone relatively well. Happy with what we were able to gain from the warm-up matches and the practice sessions held here in Namibia,” he mentioned.
The previous right-handed batter praised the squad for its promising expertise, highlighting their capability to affect video games.
“The team consists of several talented young players who have the ability to change games,” he said.
He additionally burdened the significance of dedication and self-discipline, expressing confidence that these kids may efficiently transition to senior-level cricket.
“Once these players continue to work hard on their games and remain disciplined, I am sure that they can make the transition to senior cricket in the future,” he mentioned.
It’s pertinent to say that Pakistan and the West Indies are positioned in Group C and D, respectively. The boys in inexperienced shares their group with England, Scotland and Zimbabwe, whereas the Caribbean group will face Afghanistan, South Africa and Tanzania.
The Farhan-led nationwide group will open their marketing campaign in opposition to England on Friday in Harare, whereas the West Indies, led by Joshua Dorne, will play their third match of the event in opposition to Tanzania on Thursday in Windhoek.
U19 World Cup Squads
Pakistan: Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan, Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas, Umar Zaib.
Reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa.
West Indies: Joshua Dorne (c), Jewel Andrew, Shamar Apple, Shaquan Belle, Zachary Carter, Tanez Francis, R’jai Gittens, Vitel Lawes, Micah McKenzie, Matthew Miller, Isra-el Morton, Jakeem Pollard, Aadian Racha, Kunal Tilokani and Jonathan Van Lange.
Reserves: Brendan Boodoo, Tyriek Bryan, Earsinho Fontaine and Deshawn James.
