The leadership keeping Pakistan locked in at U19WC
Pakistan's win against New Zealand keeps them in the mix to sneak into the semi-finals. But their captain is making sure the distractions remain blocked out.
Any time India faces Pakistan in a World Cup, the hype is a fait accompli.
India have already declared they're trying to remain focused on themselves, and it's a similar story in the Pakistan camp.
The pair will meet in a game in Bulawayo on Sunday that could well decide who progresses and who goes home at the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup. And both sides have hit form at the right time.
Pakistan win big against New Zealand | Match Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
Clinical Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the Super Six encounter at the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026.
India clobbered Zimbabwe by 204 runs, while Pakistan staged a comfortable eight-wicket win against New Zealand.
Pakistan did what they could to make net run rate gains as well, when it became clear what they needed to complete a swift run chase in the second innings. After the Kiwis were bowled out for just 110, the Pakistani top-order went to work, completing the job in 17.1 overs. And that was all part of the plan, as revealed by captain Farhan Yousaf.
"Yes, it was pre-planned, because we won the toss and bowled first and (after New Zealand batted) our plan was an early run chase in minimum overs," Yousaf said post-game.
"I feel very good as captain because it was our first win in the Super Six."
Opener Sameer Minhas blasted an unbeaten 76* off 59 balls with 10 fours and two maximums to steer Pakistan's fast finish - a knock good enough to inspire his teammates.
"I really enjoyed the batting of Sameer ... he's outstanding," Yousaf continued.
"I learn a lot of things from Sameer as a batter ... I really enjoy the batting of Sameer."
Minhas gets to his half-century with a boundary | U19 CWC 2026
Pakistan opener gets to a steady fifty in the chase against New Zealand at the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026.
Pakistan not only feel well adjusted to the conditions ahead of their must-win affair, but composed about how to approach the much-hyped contest.
"We already played a tri-series in Zimbabwe (before the World Cup), it (was) very helpful for us and already (having played) in these conditions is very helfpul for the next match," he added.
Subhan's ruthless spell rocks New Zealand | POTM Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
Fiery four-wicket haul by Abdul Subhan against New Zealand earns him the Aramco POTM award in ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 encounter.
"The boys (have) morale high for the next game (against India) and ... not too much (focus will be) on India, it's (about) playing our natural game and play a good game in good spirit.
"It's a big game, the crowd really enjoy (games like this), but I already told the boys before, focus on the game ... and give your 100 percent."