Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Pakistan’s Under‑19 cricket team is gearing up for a high-stakes encounter against arch‑rivals India in the Super Six stage of the ICC Under‑19 World Cup, with captain Farhan Yousaf exuding confidence as his side prepares for a must-win showdown.
The match, set for Sunday, is pivotal for both teams as they battle for a spot in the semifinals. While England has already secured progression, Pakistan and India are locked in a tense contest where victory is essential for Pakistan to stay in the title race. Experts say Pakistan must not only win but also aim for a strong margin to improve their net run rate, a key factor in deciding who advances.
Farhan’s Confidence Inspires the Team
Farhan, speaking ahead of the clash, stressed that the team remains focused and determined. He highlighted the squad’s recent performances, including a hard-fought victory over New Zealand, as evidence that Pakistan has the ability to overcome pressure and perform against top-level competition. “The morale of the squad is very high,” Farhan said, adding that each player understands their role and the importance of executing plans on the field.
The captain has been instrumental in maintaining team spirit and composure. His leadership is seen as a driving force behind Pakistan’s resurgence in the tournament after a challenging start, which included an opening loss to England. Farhan has consistently urged his teammates to stay calm, play aggressively when needed, and trust in their abilities.
A Historic Rivalry and Recent Momentum
The U‑19 sides of Pakistan and India share a historic rivalry, and recent encounters have added fuel to this classic contest. Pakistan’s U‑19 team defeated India in the Under‑19 Asia Cup final in December 2025, a win that boosted the team’s confidence and demonstrated their ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Farhan hopes to draw on that success to inspire his team in Zimbabwe.
India enters the match unbeaten in the World Cup, having secured commanding wins against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe. Their strong net run rate puts additional pressure on Pakistan to deliver a convincing performance. Cricket analysts predict a thrilling contest, where Pakistan’s tactical execution, composure under pressure, and Farhan’s leadership could make all the difference.
Looking Ahead
For Pakistan’s young cricketers, this match is more than just a game — it is an opportunity to showcase talent on a global stage and revive hopes of advancing to the semifinals. Fans around the world will be watching closely as Farhan and his squad aim to navigate this high-pressure encounter and maintain their tournament ambitions.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.