Seriously toothless. Quite concerning actually. Each age group there's been at least some kind of bowling potential. This attack looks very weak and lacking in international quality
We've seen some decent bowling from them. Today was terrible. We've seen some shite batting, but today wasn't too bad. They batted in tough conditions against a really good bowling attack. I was pleasantly surprised, I really thought they'd fold, but it was ok.
We got bowled out for under 100 against each of Australia, South Africa and England in the 2024 Under 19 World Cup so by those standards 200 was a decent effort.
Perhaps going into the plate is a better option for us, not much to gain getting thrashed by other full members if we qualify for the 2nd round.
Watching Ali Raza and Sayyam opening the bowling for Pakistan here. Its very enjoyable. Would love to see what speed they're both bowling at because they're hitting the Scottish bats hard!
Really want Pakistan to get back to where they once were with their bast bowling.
Done a bit of research on Ali Raza. Stupid talent loading here. 147kph (91mph) in the PSL last year at just 17. That's ridiculous. What a prospect. Looks like he can really swing the ball as well
Going back to a thing from one of your post googly or it may have been someone else.
Their is such a focus on which of these youngsters will make the national side or replace the older guys.
But i feel the focus also needs to be who is going to replace the Chari's or Kaia. The stronger performing domestic players but maybe below international cricket.
Those are the main men. They will play until they get another job within ZC. Maybe player/coach for a while, or manager or coach. There's a queue for jobs for guys reaching retirement age. Why would you even want to play franchise for mere peanuts?
Usually, we see at least one player in the under 19 batches you think might kick on to be a sick player for the mens team, but this time round I dont feel even that.
Hlabangana feels like a future K-long or Maruma.
The blignauts feel like Jonathan Campbell or Ali frost.
the rest don't even register.
A few domestic stalwarts who won't kick on to anything meaningful. Andy31 can breathe a sigh of relief.
Going through the past, usually you can see the mid level but always there internationals of today, like Burl, were pretty good under 19 players, not world beaters, but Burl in todays squad would easily be the best bat. The real standouts, the Williams, Taibus and Taylors were among the best worldwide at that age.
The rest will only play the Logan Cup due to lack of better options. The best under 19 player in the country missed out didnt he?
I mean they aren't lost hopes though, the right coaching might help.
If you look at Kian Blignaut he's a very late developer. Looks about 15 (no disrespect), when he matures I think he could be pretty useful. Mahdidhi has a beautiful action and only 15!! Thats incredible for that age.
> Googly wrote: ↑Thu Jan 29, 2026 2:13 pm If you look at Kian Blignaut he's a very late developer. Looks about 15 (no disrespect), when he matures I think he could be pretty useful. Mahdidhi has a beautiful action and only 15!! Thats incredible for that age. Theyre my picks. A couple of others just below.
Didnt know about Madhidhi and his age, Ill try and pay attention.
How come Newman isnt there?
I did notice that about young Blig. I wonder how his dad was at that age, could be a good predictor.
Its just weird. U look at our u19 boys, particularly the white lads and they develop late. The South Africans are huge in comparison. Ya I'd think the old man at the same age was a bull. He's a big powerful man.
The English boys generally look quite similar to the white Zim kids as I guess we share some genes, but I see they're pretty big and developed this year.
Newman is 20. He's suddenly matured a lot in his face in the last 6 months. Suddenly gone from being a kid to a young man.
The Blignaut's are only a couple of months too old to be U17s. Ie, they'll only just miss the next U19 World Cup. So they're right at the younger end of this cohort.
Given his age, and their respective bowling actions, Madhidhi looks a better prospect than Mazvitorera.