Pakistan’s Over-60s side has been eliminated from the IMC Over-60s World Cup 2026 after suffering a two-wicket defeat to New Zealand in a tightly contested Semi-Final, played on Friday at Max Ward Memorial Park North Ground, Mississauga. Pakistan skipper Fawad Ijaz Khan won the toss and opted to bat first. The innings endured a difficult start, but a spirited fightback from the middle and lower order helped Pakistan post a total of 192, though it ultimately proved just short as New Zealand managed to cross the line.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a torrid start, with both Mazhar Hussain and Sajid Ali dismissed inside the first two overs, while Jaffar Qureshi and Raja Arshad Hayat also fell cheaply to leave the side reeling early on at 12-4. Saghir Abbas and Babar Altaf Butt then came together to steady the innings with a crucial half-century partnership. Saghir Abbas anchored the innings with his patient 36 runs knock, while Babar Altaf Butt made 31 runs before being dismissed. Syed Zafar Ali provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 46 off 46 balls to help Pakistan post a reasonable total of 192-8 from their 45 overs. Dean Askew was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with 2-28, while Andrew Nuttall bowled a disciplined spell of 1-20 with three maidens.
In reply, New Zealand also lost an early wicket, with Craig Gibb removed for a duck by Babar Altaf Butt in the first over. However, the middle-order was able to put on sizeable partnerships to negate any pressure buildup. Mason Robinson was the standout performer with a well-made 57 off 70 balls, while Ken McKnight played a crucial hand with a quick 35 off 32 balls. Pakistan’s bowlers fought back at the latter part of the innings taking few quick wickets. Despite the pressure applied, New Zealand held their nerve to reach the target in 43.4 overs, finishing on 193-8 to seal a two-wicket win and advance to the Final. Shahid Ahmed picked up two wickets for ten runs from his three overs and Muhammad Jaffar Qureshi also took two wickets for Pakistan. Mason Robinson was named Player of the Match.
England also booked a spot in the Final after defeating Australia by five wickets in the other Semi-Final. The Final contest between England and New Zealand will be played on 23rd August.
In other matches played on Friday, South Africa won the Plate Final defeating West Indies by four wickets. India clinched the Bowl Final beating Sri Lanka by 43 runs. In other position matches, Wales overcame Scotland by nine runs, USA won their contest against Canada by four runs. Whereas, IMC Emerging XI defeated Zimbabwe by six wickets.
