The final of the
U19 ODI Tri Series in Zimbabwe arrives with an air of inevitability about it, though there's always room for surprise when youth cricket takes center stage. "Pakistan Under-19" will face "Zimbabwe Under-19" in what should be an uneven contest on paper, yet the hosts have shown enough fight in recent weeks to suggest this won't be a walkover.
"Pakistan Under-19" arrive with recent momentum behind them. They won their last group encounter comprehensively, scoring 238 and dismissing their opponents for just 105 — a reminder of their capacity to dominate when conditions favor them. Still, it's worth noting they've been far from flawless in this tournament. They lost a tight chase earlier, falling short by just four runs when 230 seemed within reach. Before arriving in Zimbabwe, their form in the Asia Cup was patchy at best; defeats to India and Afghanistan punctuated victories over lesser opposition. The thrashing by India, where they conceded 347 and managed only 156 in reply, exposed frailties in both batting depth and bowling discipline.
"Zimbabwe Under-19," by contrast, have been outgunned repeatedly. Their recent results make for grim reading: losses by margins of 160, 226, 203, and even 278 runs across various competitions. The lone bright spot came on the last day of December, when they defended 185 successfully, a small but significant statement of resilience. Home conditions have not translated into consistent performance, and their struggles to post competitive totals or restrict runs have been glaring.
That said, finals have a way of narrowing gaps. The early morning start — half past seven — means dew could be a factor, and bowlers will need to adjust quickly. I remember watching a similar youth final years ago in Harare; the underdog batted with surprising freedom, unshackled by expectation.
Even with Zimbabwe's recent struggles, "Pakistan Under-19" hold a clear sporting advantage. Their batting has more firepower; their bowling, when disciplined, more variety. Unless the hosts produce something extraordinary, the visitors should claim this tri-series comfortably.
