HARARE: Persistent rain washed out the third One Day International (ODI) of the U19 tri-series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe on Tuesday, denying fans a result despite a dominant batting display by the Pakistan U19 side.

After winning the toss, Pakistan made full use of the favorable batting conditions and piled up a mammoth 354 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. However, soon after the innings concluded, rain intervened and Zimbabwe were unable to begin their chase, forcing officials to abandon the match.

Pakistan’s innings was anchored by a superb partnership between Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan. The pair recovered the side from an early setback, after Ali Hassan Baloch was dismissed for eight in the fifth over, by stitching together a commanding 199-run stand that put Zimbabwe’s bowlers under immense pressure.

Sameer Minhas once again showcased his rich form, scoring a fluent 142 off 106 balls. His innings was laced with 17 fours and four sixes, and he was dismissed when the team total had reached 239 in 33.3 overs. Usman Khan continued to dominate the attack from the other end, bringing up a well-crafted century. He eventually departed after taking Pakistan past the 300-run mark, finishing with an impressive 121 off 112 deliveries, which included 12 boundaries and two sixes.

Huzaifa Ahsan provided valuable late momentum to the innings with a brisk 54 off 53 balls. The Karachi-born batter struck three fours and two sixes to help Pakistan post an imposing total.

For Zimbabwe, Kirby Madharamete was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets, while Panashe Mazai chipped in with two scalps.

The ongoing tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan, is serving as a crucial preparatory tournament ahead of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to get underway on January 15.