Pakistan’s ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 match against England ended in shock, disbelief and outrage as a spectacular last-wicket run-out sparked explosive match-fixing allegations after their heartbreaking defeat at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Friday, January 16.
Ali Raza’s run out turns ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 into match-fixing controversy
The bizarre dismissal of young Pakistani fast bowler Ali Raza dashed their hopes and gave England a 37-run win. Pakistan U19 were chasing a target of 211 runs in the Group B match against England U19. Despite losing wickets continuously, he remained in the game till the 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 remained unbeaten on 18 runs in 28 balls, while Raza could score only 1 run in three balls.
Also read: Pakistan U19 star Sameer Minhas shoots at Abhishek Sharma, sparking India-Pakistan row
The task was extremely difficult, but Qamar and Raza gave Pakistan some hope by making a 13-run partnership against all odds. Then came the moment that changed everything and everyone watching was stunned. 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 run.
Ali Raza’s mind blowing moment
Ali Raza ran hard and reached the striker’s end safely. However, instead of staying inside his crease and patting his bat, he awkwardly leaned back as if allowing England captain and wicketkeeper Thomas Reeve to take the ball.
As the throw came from the deep, Raza moved out of the crease, almost trying to avoid the incoming throw to Reeve. Within a second Raza pulled his bat out of the crease. Reeve reacted quickly, collecting the ball cleanly and promptly breaking the stumps.
Replays showed Raza clearly outside the crease. Pakistan’s innings ended there in one of the strangest ways ever seen in the ICC Under-19 World Cup. The moment set up a 37-run defeat for Pakistan U19 in Harare, leaving players, fans and experts in complete disbelief.
Watch the bizarre run-out here:
Quality run out to end the game between England and Pakistan in the U19 World Cup. The number 11 decided to stand outside his crease and move out of the way of the incoming throw… pic.twitter.com/81CA9tCS8E
– The Cricketmen (@thecricketmen) 16 January 2026
Soon after, there was a flood of reactions on social media with many fans accusing the Pakistani player of deliberate wrongdoing. Some called it a humorous and mind-blowing moment, while others made allegations and doubts about the incident.
Match fixing allegations –
Match fixing in U19?? This is a new low even according to Pakistan!
— Nickel Bismuth (❖,❖) | ETHGas (@CryptoLanceryt) 17 January 2026
Cricket spirit?
During the Pakistan U19 vs England U19 match, a Pakistani batsman was seen letting the England keeper run out. The apparent act of unsportsmanlike conduct has sparked debate online.
It’s about questionable tactics slowly becoming normal… pic.twitter.com/yRnDl66z6W
– Crex (@crexcricket) 17 January 2026
It is highly suspicious as it is from Pakistan. They will eat filth for a few rupees.
– All about India (@Allaboutindia28) 17 January 2026
fixing
– JB (@93yorkers) 17 January 2026
Its fixing and Pakistani irregularities always make the game dirty. Now they have taken fixing to U19 level also. what a nasty piece of nation this is
– Messi (@skynomadz10) 17 January 2026
Get his bank account checked.
– Cricket Tragic (@CricketTragic5) 16 January 2026
It is highly suspicious as it is from Pakistan. They will eat filth for a few rupees.
– All about India (@Allaboutindia28) 17 January 2026
Caleb Faulkner’s cool 66 and late twist help England beat Pakistan U19
Earlier, England were asked to bat first and Pakistan’s disciplined bowling kept them under pressure. Runs were not scored easily and wickets kept falling at regular intervals. England were eventually all out for 210 in 46.5 overs, with the total looking competitive but not out of reach.
ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya lands in fresh controversy as web series scene reportedly shows his Mumbai airport customs brawl
Caleb Faulkner played a calm and sensible innings, scoring 66 runs off 73 balls. His innings included three fours and two sixes and 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 by taking 2 wickets for 36 runs, while Abdul Subhan bowled tightly and took 2 wickets for 24 runs. Momin Qamar also played his role by taking 2 wickets for 45 runs. In reply, Pakistan started chasing the target with confidence.
Captain Farhan Yusuf took charge of the innings and played a composed innings under pressure. He was the top scorer with 65 runs and kept Pakistan in the match, but after his dismissal in the 41st over, their innings derailed and they suffered a dramatic defeat against England U19.
