U19 World Cup: Pakistan-Bangladesh warm-up match abandoned due to rain

MASVINGO: The ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2026 warm-up match between Pakistan and Bangladesh was called off due to persistent rain here on Saturday.

Featuring in their first warm-up fixture of the 16-team mega event after the Asia Cup glory and the ODI tri-series victory in Zimbabwe, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and opted to field first.

Pakistan's pace duo of Ali Raza and in-form Umar Zaib justified their captain's decision as they ran through Bangladesh's top-order, reducing them to 12/3 in 2.3 overs before Kalam Siddiki launched a recovery.

The middle-order batter held one end firmly and kept the scoreboard ticking singlehandedly while losing partners at regular intervals.

Bangladesh were 152/7 in 36.3 overs before rain halted the action, and the hindrance proved ultimate as the fixture was later called off. Middle-order batter Siddiki remained the top-scorer for Bangladesh with an unbeaten 71 off 98 deliveries, laced with six fours.

Ali led Pakistan's bowling charge with three wickets for 34 runs in his 5.3 overs, while Momin Qamar, Usman Khan and Umar chipped in with one apiece.

The Asian Champions will have another opportunity to fine-tune their preparations as they will play their second warm-up match against the United States of America (USA) in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

The two-time champions will formally kick off their U19 World Cup 2026 campaign on January 16 against England in Harare before taking on Scotland and co-host Zimbabwe on January 19 and 22, respectively.

Pakistan squad for U19 World Cup:

Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan (vc), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib.

Non-traveling reserves:

Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa.