Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe in their final Group C match of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup in Harare. The win confirmed Pakistan place in the Super Six stage. It also helped Zimbabwe qualify on net run rate.
The result came at the expense of Scotland. Scotland were on course to advance midway through Pakistan’s chase. Zimbabwe’s total was 129 runs. Pakistan reached the target in 26.2 overs.
The timing of the chase proved decisive. Had Pakistan won before 25.2 overs, Scotland would have qualified instead. From the end of the 14th over, Pakistan slowed their scoring. This change altered the group standings.
Tournament rules played a key role. Points and net run rate carry into the Super Six stage. However, only results against other qualified teams count. Pakistan had beaten Zimbabwe by a larger margin than Scotland. This gave them a better carried-forward net run rate.
Former international cricketer Andy Flower defended the approach on commentary. He said the tactic was justified under the competition format. Flower explained that Pakistan ensured victory first. They then managed the chase to secure a stronger net run rate later.
Pakistan had earlier beaten Scotland with 6.5 overs remaining. Against Zimbabwe, they could have won much earlier. That outcome would not have helped their Super Six numbers if Zimbabwe were eliminated. By extending the chase, Pakistan improved their position.
The strategy also affected England. England topped Group C. They lost a potential net run rate boost from their big win over Scotland.
There were questions about the rules. ICC Law 2.11 bans attempts to manipulate matches for improper reasons. It classifies such acts as a Level 2 offence. Proving deliberate intent, however, would be very difficult.
At 14 overs, Pakistan were 84 for no loss. They needed 45 runs from 11.2 overs. The scoring then slowed sharply. Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain added just 36 runs in 12 overs. No boundary came for 89 balls.
Flower noted the awareness on air. He said Pakistan likely understood the net run rate math. Once Zimbabwe’s qualification was assured, the tempo changed.
Needing nine runs, Minhas hit two sixes to finish the match. He ended unbeaten on 74 and earned Player of the Match. Flower admitted it was tough for Scotland to watch. Still, he maintained the tactic was fair and within the rules.
In other news read more about ICC Replaces Bangladesh with Scotland for 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup
Similar strategies have appeared before. Australia used one in the 1999 World Cup. The match shows how formats can shape decisions on the field.
