A significant controversy has emerged at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 following Pakistan’s eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday. While the result secured Pakistan’s place in the Super Six stage, the nature of their run chase has drawn sharp criticism. By deliberately slowing their scoring rate in the middle overs, Pakistan ensured that hosts Zimbabwe qualified for the next round at the expense of Scotland, a move that strategically bolsters Pakistan’s own Net Run Rate (NRR) for the remainder of the tournament. ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026.

The Controversial Chase

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 128 runs, setting Pakistan a seemingly straightforward target. Pakistan's openers, Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain, began the chase briskly, reaching 84 for 2 inside 14 overs and appearing set for a rapid victory. However, a noticeable shift in their approach followed. From that point, the scoring rate plummeted, with the team managing only 36 runs in the subsequent 12 overs, including a period of 89 balls without a boundary. Pakistan ultimately completed the chase in 26.2 overs, finishing on 132 for 2.

Pakistan's Tactical Brilliance or Disgrace?

Tactical Decision or Disgrace?

The decision to prolong the chase was rooted in the tournament's specific Super Six format. Under ICC rules, teams only carry forward points and NRR earned against fellow qualifiers from their group. Because Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by a significantly larger margin than they beat Scotland, it was mathematically advantageous for Pakistan to have Zimbabwe qualify alongside them.

Former Zimbabwe captain and commentator Andy Flower described the approach as "cunning but justifiable," noting that teams must play within the rules to give themselves the best chance in the knockout rounds. However, critics argue that such "mathematical manipulation" undermines the competitive integrity of the sport and leaves teams like Scotland with no agency over their own exit.

ICC U19 World Cup Winners List: Edition-by-Edition Champions, Most Title Wins in Men's Under-19 WC Ahead of 2026 Tournament.

Reactions and Regulations

The incident has reignited debates regarding the "spirit of cricket." While Pakistan did not breach any technical laws of the game, ICC Code of Conduct Law 2.11 prohibits "any attempt to manipulate an international match for inappropriate strategic or tactical reasons."

Proving deliberate intent remains a difficult task for match officials, but the blatant nature of the slowdown—followed by a sudden burst of boundaries once the qualification threshold was passed—has placed the Pakistan camp under intense scrutiny.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 23, 2026 03:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).