Pakistan’s Under-19s didn’t just beat England at Woodbridge Road. They overwhelmed them.
A 122-run victory in the second one-day game handed the tourists a 2-0 lead in the four-match series, built almost entirely on one extraordinary innings from Abdul Qadir and finished off ruthlessly by a hungry pace attack.
Qadir’s demolition job
Pakistan were wobbling early. Opener Usman Khan departed for just three, and England sensed a chance to squeeze.
Qadir tore that script to shreds.
Walking in with the top order under pressure, he launched a ferocious counter-attack, blasting 146 from only 100 balls. He took 46 deliveries to reach fifty, then accelerated, racing to three figures in 80 balls. England’s young bowlers never really recovered.
The numbers behind the assault were brutal: 11 fours, 12 sixes. Anything even slightly off length disappeared. Fielders spent as much time looking back over their shoulders as they did looking down the pitch.
Around him, a proper innings took shape. Ahmed Hussain joined Qadir to stitch together a crucial partnership of more than 100 runs for the fourth wicket, steadying Pakistan after that early loss. Hussain’s 28 was understated but vital, giving Qadir the freedom to keep attacking.
When Qadir finally fell, Pakistan suddenly stuttered. Three wickets tumbled for 46 runs, and 244-4 became 244-7. For a brief spell, England had a foothold. The total that once looked like it might sail beyond reach now seemed in danger of falling short of its potential.
Hamza Zahoor had other ideas.
Zahoor’s finish pushes Pakistan past 300
The wicketkeeper-batter walked in with the innings at a crossroads and turned it decisively Pakistan’s way. Zahoor’s 55 from 49 balls wasn’t as explosive as Qadir’s, but it was exactly what the situation demanded.
He picked gaps, ran hard, and still found time to clear the ropes. Seven fours and two sixes dragged the total back up and over the psychological 300 mark, Pakistan closing on 308 in 49.2 overs.
Hayam Khan’s brisk 37 off 27 balls added important momentum in the middle overs, another reminder that this Pakistan side bats deep and bats with intent.
By the time the innings ended, England knew they would need something special to stay in the series.
They never came close.
Pakistan’s attack suffocates England
The chase never really got going. Pakistan’s bowlers hit their lengths early and refused to let go.
Nikab Shafiq struck the first major blow, removing England captain Isaac Mohammed for just five. That early breakthrough set the tone: Pakistan on the front foot, England chasing shadows.
Mohammad Sayyam then ripped through the top order, dismissing Harry Wallace and Leo Selvey-Clinton. Rizwanullah joined in, removing Luke Simington and Jack Nelson. At 76-5, England were buried under the scoreboard and the pressure.
Only Robbie Bowman offered real resistance. His 67 from 43 balls, laced with four fours and seven sixes, was a lone act of defiance. For a while, his clean hitting hinted at something improbable. If England were going to make a game of it, it would be through him.
Sayyam ended that hope as well, claiming Bowman and with him any faint chance of a comeback.
The wickets were shared, but the control was collective. Sayyam and Rizwanullah finished with three wickets each, while Ahmed Hussain and Shafiq took two apiece. England were bowled out for 186 in 37.1 overs, a long way short and well beaten.
Series tilts Pakistan’s way
Two games, two wins, and a statement from Pakistan’s next generation.
They now head to Wormsley for Monday’s third match with the series firmly in their grip and England searching for answers. The hosts don’t just need a response; they need a performance big enough to halt a side playing with this much swagger.
After Qadir’s fireworks and a ruthless bowling display, the question is no longer whether Pakistan can win the series.
It’s whether anyone can stop them wrapping it up in style.
