In a calculated move during the U19 World Cup 2026, Pakistan slowed their chase against hosts Zimbabwe, securing both teams’ spot in the Super Six stage while ensuring a net run rate advantage for themselves.
The Green Shirts defeated Zimbabwe by eight wickets in Harare, but the pace of their chase drew attention for its unusually cautious approach.
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After racing to 84 in 14 overs, Pakistan’s target of 129 entered a curious stalemate.
Minhas and Hussain scored at just three runs per over for the next 12 overs, enduring an 89-ball boundary drought.
Pakistan eventually reached the target in 26.2 overs, slightly slower than required to allow Scotland, who were in a qualifying position midway, a chance to advance.
The strategic slowdown ensured Zimbabwe qualified alongside Pakistan while Pakistan improved their net run rate heading into the Super Six stage.
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Experts explained that under tournament rules, only matches between teams that advance are counted toward net run rate, giving Pakistan a clear statistical advantage by helping Zimbabwe progress instead of Scotland.
The approach drew mixed reactions from cricket fans.
Some criticized Pakistan for a perceived lack of sportsmanship, calling the slow chase controversial.
However, former Zimbabwe captain and cricket expert Andy Flower defended the tactic, calling it “justifiable” and a demonstration of tactical awareness.
“I thought it was a justifiable tactic on their part,” Flower said.
“When they go through to the Super Sixes, they will take their net run rate, which will include the Zimbabwe game but doesn’t include the Scotland game. That means their net run rate is better than if Scotland went through.”
“They needed to first establish they weren’t going to lose the game, and then they just slowed down to make sure Zimbabwe got through. Some people may question the ethics of that, but I personally don’t,” he added.
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Flower further explained, “The last ten overs or so, Pakistan have played a cunning game. The way Pakistan are going about business, they are probably aware of the fact that if they qualify for the Super Six along with Zimbabwe, they carry through a better net run rate as opposed to with Scotland.”
Once Zimbabwe’s qualification was effectively secured, Pakistan’s attacking intent returned.
Minhas, who was later named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 74, struck two successive sixes to finish the game, leaving Scotland watching their qualification hopes slip away.
Flower emphasized that the strategy was within the spirit of the game: “It must be hard for Scotland to be watching this. But I think it was a fair tactic and didn’t bring the game into disrepute.”
Cricket analysts have compared the move to similar strategies in the past, such as Steve Waugh’s measured chase against West Indies during the 1999 ODI World Cup, which also aimed to maximize points and net run rate heading into the next stage.
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While some purists question the ethics of slowing down a chase, others see it as an example of cricketing genius and strategic awareness, ultimately benefiting Pakistan in the competition.
This win marked Pakistan’s careful but calculated approach in the group stage, demonstrating that tactical acumen can sometimes outweigh pure aggression in tournament cricket.
