Pakistan’s ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 match against England ended in shock, disbelief, and outrage as a stunning final-wicket run-out sparked explosive match-fixing accusations following their heartbreaking loss on Friday, January 16, at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.
Ali Raza run-out turns ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 clash into a match-fixing controversy
Young Pakistani pacer Ali Raza’s bizarre dismissal crushed their hopes and handed England a 37-run victory. Pakistan U19 were chasing a target of 211 in their Group B match against England U19. Despite losing wickets regularly, they stayed in the game till the very end.
When the match reached the 47th over, Pakistan still needed 37 runs to win and had only one wicket left, and the responsibility fell on Momim Qamar and tailender Ali Raza. Momim was holding firm on 18 not out from 28 balls, while Raza had just managed 1 run from three deliveries.
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The task was extremely tough, but Qamar and Raza gave Pakistan some hope with a 13-run partnership against all the odds. Then came the moment that changed everything and stunned everyone watching. On the third ball of the 47th over, bowled by Manny Lumsden, Momim played the ball towards deep mid-wicket and immediately called for a quick single.
Ali Raza’s brain-fade moment
Ali Raza ran hard and reached the striker’s end safely. However, instead of staying inside his crease and tapping his bat, he strangely leaned backwards as if to allow the England captain and wicketkeeper Thomas Rew to collect the ball.
As the throw came in from the deep, Raza moved out of the crease, almost trying to avoid the incoming throw meant for Rew. In a split second, Raza pulled his bat out of the crease. Rew reacted instantly, cleanly collected the ball, and broke the stumps immediately.
Replays showed Raza clearly outside the crease. Pakistan’s innings ended right there in one of the strangest ways ever seen at the ICC Under-19 World Cup. This moment sealed a 37-run defeat for Pakistan U19 in Harare, leaving players, fans, and experts in total disbelief.
Watch bizarre run-out here:
Soon after, social media exploded with reactions, and many fans accused the Pakistani player of deliberate wrongdoing. Some called it a comic and brain-fade moment, while others made accusations and suspicions surrounding the incident.
Match-Fixing Accusations –
Caleb Falconer’s calm 66 and late twist help England stun Pakistan U19
Earlier, England was asked to bat first and was kept under pressure by Pakistan’s disciplined bowling. Runs did not come easily, and wickets fell at regular intervals. England were eventually bowled out for 210 in 46.5 overs, a total that looked competitive but not out of reach.
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Caleb Falconer played a calm and sensible innings, scoring 66 runs from 73 balls. His knock included three fours and two sixes, and it helped England cross the 200-run mark when they were struggling.
Ahmed Hussain led the Pakistan attack with 3 wickets for 38 runs. Ali Raza supported him with 2 for 36, while Abdul Subhan bowled tightly to take 2 for 24. Momin Qamar also played his part with 2 wickets for 45. In reply, Pakistan started the chase with confidence.
Captain Farhan Yousaf held the innings together and played a steady knock under pressure. He was the top scorer with 65 runs and kept Pakistan in the match but once he was dismissed in the 41st over, their innings fell off track, and they faced a dramatic loss against England U19.
Pakistan star accused of Match-Fixing in U19 World Cup 2026 after shocking run-out vs England
