An interesting sequence of events took place at the ongoing U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 on Thursday as Pakistan seemingly slowed down in their run chase against hosts Zimbabwe, in order to ensure a better net-run-rate (NRR) for the Super 6 stage of the tournament. Chasing a paltry 129, Pakistan had already made 96 by the 16th over. However, the team made only 27 runs in the next 10 overs, and their slow finish ensured that opponents Zimbabwe qualified ahead of Scotland from their group. Pakistan, who had already qualified, also benefitted despite taking more time to win. However, they are at risk of potentially facing a bigger penalty from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
What actually happened?
A unique rule of the U19 World Cup is that teams can carry over the NRR from the initial group stage to the Super 6 group. However, the caveat is that NRR is only carried over from the matches against teams who qualified as well.
Had Pakistan chased down the target within the 26th over, Scotland would have qualified ahead of Zimbabwe. This would’ve meant that Pakistan’s NRR from the Scotland game would’ve carried over, rather than their NRR from the Zimbabwe game.
Pakistan had defeated Scotland with 41 balls to spare, but the margin of victory over Zimbabwe was significantly better – 142 balls to spare.
Pakistan taking 26.2 overs to chase the total meant that Zimbabwe qualified ahead of Scotland, and ensured that Pakistan carried over their higher NRR from the Zimbabwe match than their NRR from the Scotland match.
Some fans on social media accused Pakistan of manipulation.