West Indies Coach Predicts Pakistan’s U-19 WC Success, Highlights Three Key Players
The upcoming Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia has drawn significant attention. The tournament is scheduled from January 15 to February 6, 2025. Former first-class cricketer Rohan Nurse, now the head coach of the West Indies Under-19 team, has highlighted Pakistan as a notable contender for the semi-finals.
West Indies Coach Predicts Pakistan’s U-19 WC Success
Nurse praised three standout players from the Pakistan U-19 team: Sameer Minhas, Umar Zaib, and Mohammad Sayyam. During an interview, he said, “These players will bring excitement to this tournament.” Their skills could be pivotal in Pakistan’s quest for victory.
Strong U-19 Team Performance
- Sameer Minhas scored 172 runs in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup final against India.
- Pakistan clinched the title by defeating India by 191 runs.
- Minhas was named Player of the Series, scoring a total of 471 runs with an impressive average of 157.00.
Nurse refrained from naming a definitive list of semi-final contenders, citing the unpredictable nature of the tournament. “There are several teams with talented players,” he remarked. Despite this, he firmly believes that Pakistan has an excellent chance of advancing.
Pakistan U-19 Team Credentials
The Pakistan U-19 team, captained by Farhan Yousuf, represents Group C alongside England, Scotland, and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign against England in Harare on January 15. Their notable skills, showcased in the recent Asia Cup, highlight their potential to impact the tournament.
West Indies Team Outlook
The West Indies, led by Joshua Dorne, will play their third match against Tanzania in Windhoek. Nurse expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparation, including warm-up matches that boosted their confidence. He remarked on the potential of his squad, emphasizing their capability to influence games at this level.
Player Lineups
| Pakistan Squad | West Indies Squad |
|---|---|
| Farhan Yousaf (c) | Joshua Dorne (c) |
| Usman Khan | Jewel Andrew |
| Sameer Minhas | Shamar Apple |
| Umar Zaib | Zachary Carter |
| Mohammad Sayyam | Tanez Francis |
As the tournament approaches, both teams have showcased impressive talent. With their abilities on the field, players like Minhas, Zaib, and Sayyam aim to secure success for Pakistan in the Under-19 World Cup.
