Overview:
The fan reaction is mixed. Some believe it was a smart tactical move, analysing the rules, playing the numbers, and securing their position.
Pakistan U19 team defeated Zimbabwe by eight wickets at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Thursday, earning a spot in the Super Six. However, the victory, led to a backlash that had little to do with the players’ on-field performance.
In a Group C match at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, Pakistan successfully chased down 129, finishing at 132/2 in 26.2 overs to advance to the next round. Meanwhile, it led to Scotland’s elimination.
England and Pakistan were already through, leaving the final Super Six spot in the group to be decided by net run rate between Zimbabwe and Scotland. Scotland had a chance to make it to the next round but needed favour from the Boys in Green.
Pakistan’s chase began with a sprint, posting 84 by the 14th over and looking set for a comfortable win. But the innings took an unexpected turn. Boundaries dried up, dot balls accumulated, and the chase came to a near halt, even with the required rate well within reach. From the 16th to the 25th over, Pakistan could only manage just 27 runs, with no boundaries in 89 consecutive balls. The game took a sudden shift as two massive shots clinched the win.
The tournament’s fine print holds a key rule that many fans only realize when it matters. In the Super Six, teams carry forward points and net run rate only from matches against other group qualifiers. Therefore, it’s crucial not only to qualify but also to know who qualifies with you.
Pakistan’s margin of victory over Zimbabwe was significantly larger than against Scotland. If Zimbabwe qualified, Pakistan would have entered the Super Six, with a better NRR position. But had Scotland progressed, Pakistan’s net run rate would have taken a hit. This explains why the cut-off overs mattered and why the pace of the chase became a key factor.
The fan reaction is mixed. Some believe it was a smart tactical move, analysing the rules, playing the numbers, and securing their position. Others argue it’s manipulation disguised as strategy, contending that Scotland was undone by a calculated delay they had no way to counter.
Whether this remains a matter of ethics or evolves into an official case depends on the underlying intent. The ICC’s code permits investigation if actions are seen as an attempt to alter outcomes for tactical reasons, including net run rate.