The Pakistan Under-19 team puzzled many with their slow chase against Zimbabwe at the 2026 Under-19 World Cup in Harare.
U19 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe. (Photo Credits: Zimbabwe Cricket/X)
Pakistan surprised everyone during the U19 World Cup group fixture against Zimbabwe in Harare after they slowed down the run rate. The side was handed a small target of 129 which they completed in 26.2 overs and by 8 wickets. Star batter Sameer Minhas
remained unbeaten at 74 off 75 while Usman Khan (26 off 23) and Ahmed Hussain (24* off 53) made valuable contributions in the run chase.
It turned out to be a calculative move which secured some advantage for the Asian side. Pakistan raced to 84 in just 14 overs. At that point, they needed fewer than four runs an over. Over the next 12 overs, batters Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain scored at barely three runs an over.
The equation suggested had Pakistan completed the target before 25.2 overs, Scotland, and not Zimbabwe, would have qualified for the Super Six alongside them. With this tactical move, Pakistan ensured Zimbabwe go through to Super Six.
Pakistan had defeated Zimbabwe by a bigger margin in comparison to Scotland. With Zimbabwe qualifying ahead meant Pakistan go into the Super Six with a stronger NRR. The U19 World Cup follows a carry-forward system into the Super Sixes. Teams take their points and net run rate (NRR) only from matches played against fellow qualifiers and results against eliminated teams are not discounted.
Despite an eight-wicket defeat to Pakistan in their final group match, Zimbabwe’s excellent work in the field sees them progress to the Super Six stage, edging past Scotland on net run rate.
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 22, 2026
Match Details 👉 https://t.co/VgTCCMiEsZ#ZIMvPAK #U19WorldCup #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/Rtcl8D4s3k
Former Zimbabwe player Andy Flower defended Pakistan's tactic. “I think it was a fair tactic and didn’t bring the game into disrepute," he said.
"Yes, the result is in our side, but we learned a lot of things for this match and (that will) help for the Super Six. Our bowlers are doing very well in this match and last match. Sometimes it misses, but hitting the right areas early on with the new ball is important. Sameer Minhas played really good in this match and we all need Sameer’s form for the Super 6, we need Sameer’s form as well and Usman played very well, Ahmed Hussain played very well, all the batters in good form, so we help together in Super 6," Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf said after the match.
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