For most cricketers, there are moments they wish time could rewind and quietly erase. For Pakistan Under-19 pacer Ali Raza, that moment arrived in heartbreaking fashion during Friday’s Under-19 World Cup clash against England, in a finish that stunned players and fans alike. Pakistan were chasing 211 in a rain-affected contest and found themselves needing 38 runs in the 47th over with just one wicket in hand.
Raza stood at the non-striker’s end as fellow tailender Momin Qamar nudged the third delivery to deep mid-wicket and called for a quick single. Raza sprinted hard and made his ground comfortably at the striker’s end, but what followed was a lapse that would prove costly. Instead of grounding his bat immediately, Raza momentarily leaned back, seemingly to avoid the incoming throw.
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In that split second of hesitation, he failed to ensure his bat was inside the crease. England captain Thomas Rew, alert and composed, collected the throw cleanly and whipped off the bails in one swift motion. Raza was adjudged short, and Pakistan’s innings ended in one of the most bizarre run-outs seen at the tournament, sealing a 37-run defeat.
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The irony was painful. Raza had been one of Pakistan’s standout performers with the ball earlier in the day. England were bowled out for 210, with Caleb Falconer top-scoring with 66, but Pakistan’s young pacer claimed two crucial wickets, including Falconer’s, helping restrict the total on a tricky surface.
However, Pakistan’s batting never found momentum. Wickets fell in clusters, and apart from captain Farhan Yousaf’s gritty 65, no batter managed to cross the 20-run mark. The pressure mounted with every over, eventually leading to the fatal mix-up.
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Speaking after the match, Rew admitted England felt slightly under par initially but praised his side’s discipline and fielding. England’s sharp awareness in the field ultimately made the difference, turning a tense contest into a memorable victory. For Ali Raza, it was a harsh lesson at the highest junior level—a reminder that in cricket, even a moment’s lapse can define a match.
