Pakistan star accused of match-fixing at 2026 U19 World Cup after shock defeat to England
Pakistan’s ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 match against England ended in shock, disbelief and outrage as a superb final display sparked explosive accusations of match-fixing following their heartbreaking defeat on Friday, January 16 at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.
Ali Raza’s elimination turns ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 clash into match-fixing controversy
The bizarre dismissal of young Pakistani pacer Ali Raza dashed 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. Although they lost wickets regularly, they remained in the match until the very end.
When the match reached the 47th over, Pakistan still needed 37 runs to win and only one wicket remained, and the onus was on Momim Qamar and tailender Ali Raza. Momim held on for 18 not out from 28 balls, while Raza had just scored 1 run from three deliveries.
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The task was extremely difficult, but Qamar and Raza gave Pakistan some hope with an against-all-odds 13-run partnership. Then came the moment that changed everything and stunned everyone in attendance. On the third ball of the 47th over, bowled by Manny Lumsden, Momim played the ball towards mid-wicket and immediately called for a quick single.
Ali Raza’s brain fade moment
Ali Raza ran hard and reached the striker’s side safely. However, instead of staying inside his crease and tapping his bat, he strangely leaned back as if to allow England captain and wicketkeeper Thomas Rew to collect the ball.
As the throw came from deep, Raza moved out of bounds, almost trying to avoid the throw intended for Rew. In a split second, Raza took his bat out of the crease. Rew reacted instantly, collected the ball cleanly and immediately broke the stumps.
Replays showed Raza clearly off the field. Pakistan’s innings ended there, in one of the strangest ways ever seen in the ICC Under-19 World Cup. The moment sealed a 37-run defeat for Pakistan U19 in Harare, leaving players, fans and pundits in complete disbelief.
Watch a bizarre run-out here:
The quality ran out to end the match between England and Pakistan in the U19 World Cup. Number 11 decides to evade the throw-in by simply leaving his territory… 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/81CA9tCS8E
– TheCricketMen (@thecricketmen) January 16, 2026
Soon after, social media exploded with reactions and many fans accused the Pakistani player of deliberate wrongdoing. Some called it a comical and confusing moment, while others threw accusations and suspicions about the incident.
Accusations of match-fixing –
fixed matches in U19?? This is a new low, even according to Pakistan!😂😂
— Nickel-Bismuth (❖,❖) | ETHGas ⛽ (@CryptoLanceryt) January 17, 2026
🗣️Spirit of Cricket?
During the Pakistan U19 vs England U19 match, a Pakistani batter appeared to let the England keeper take him out. This apparent act of unsportsmanlike conduct sparked online debate.
This is the creeping normalization of questionable tactics in… pic.twitter.com/yRnDl66z6W
– CREX (@crexcricket) January 17, 2026
Very suspicious because he comes from Pakistan. They will eat shit for a few dollars.
– All About India (@Allaboutindia28) January 17, 2026
Fixing
– JB (@93Yorker) January 17, 2026
His fixer and pakistani assholes are still messing up the game. Now they have moved up to U19 level too. What a shit nation
– messi (@skynomadz10) January 17, 2026
Have his bank account checked.
– Cricket Tragic (@CricketTragic5) January 16, 2026
Very suspicious because he comes from Pakistan. They will eat shit for a few dollars.
– All About India (@Allaboutindia28) January 17, 2026
Calm 66 and Caleb Falconer’s late twist help England surprise Pakistan U19
Earlier, England had been asked to bat first and were kept under pressure by Pakistan’s disciplined bowling. The runs were not easy 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 reasonable innings, scoring 66 runs off 73 balls. His knocks included three fours and two sixes, and this helped England cross the 200-run mark when they were in difficulty.
Ahmed Hussain led the Pakistan attack with 3 wickets for 38 runs. Ali Raza backed him up with 2 for 36, while Abdul Subhan bowled tight to take 2 for 24. Momin Qamar also played his part with 2 wickets for 45. In response, Pakistan started the chase with confidence.
Captain Farhan Yousaf held the innings together and played a steady knock under pressure. He top-scored with 65 runs and kept Pakistan in the match, but once he was dismissed in the 41st over, their innings was derailed and they faced a dramatic defeat against England U19.
