Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower has defended Pakistan’s calculated approach during their final Group C match of the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup, describing the tactical maneuver as legitimate despite it ending Scotland’s tournament hopes.
Pakistan chased down a target of 129 in 26.2 overs at Takashinga Sports Club on Thursday, a result that sealed their own qualification for the Super Six stage while ensuring Zimbabwe progressed ahead of Scotland on net run rate.
If Pakistan completed the chase before 25.2 overs, Scotland would have advanced instead.
The situation arose due to the Under-19 World Cup format, under which teams carry forward points and net run rate into the Super Sixes only from matches played against fellow qualifiers.
By finishing the chase at a measured pace, Pakistan benefited from a stronger carried-over net run rate, having beaten Zimbabwe by a larger margin than Scotland during the group stage.
“I thought it was a justifiable tactic on their part,” Flower said while commentating during the match.
“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,” he added.
Pakistan had raced to 84 without loss by the end of the 14th over.
However, their scoring rate slowed dramatically thereafter, with Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain adding only 36 runs in the next 12 overs.
“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,” the 57-year-old stated.
Flower suggested Pakistan fully understood the net run rate calculations.
“The last ten overs or so, Pakistan have played a cunning game,” he said.
“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 appeared secure, Pakistan’s attacking intent returned. Needing nine runs to win, Minhas, who later earned Player of the Match honors for his unbeaten 74, struck two successive sixes to seal the contest.
“It must be hard for Scotland to be watching this,” Flower said. “But I think it was a fair tactic and didn’t bring the game into disrepute.”
The incident drew parallels with the 1999 ODI World Cup, when Australia, led by Steve Waugh, adopted a similar approach against the West Indies to maximise their advantage heading into the Super Six stage.