‘Justifiable tactic’: Andy Flower labels Pakistan’s U19 slow chase fair move
HARARE: Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower, who was commentating during the match, defended Pakistan’s calculated approach, describing it as a legitimate tactical decision after their win over hosts in the final Group C match of the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup at Takashinga Sports Club.
Pakistan chased down a target of 129 in 26.2 overs, a result that not only sealed their own qualification for the Super Six stage but also ensured Zimbabwe progressed ahead of Scotland on net run rate. Had 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. “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, needing just 45 more runs from 11.2 overs. However, their scoring rate slowed dramatically thereafter, with Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain adding only 36 runs in the next 12 overs, a phase that saw 89 balls bowled without a boundary.
The 57-year-old also stated that the team first ensured they would not lose the match before slowing down to help Zimbabwe progress, adding that while some may question the ethics of the approach, he had no issue with it. “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 stated. Flower suggested Pakistan were fully aware of 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 was effectively secured, Pakistan’s attacking intent returned. Needing nine runs to win, Minhas — who was later named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 74 — struck two successive sixes to seal the contest. While Scotland were left watching their qualification hopes slip away, Flower maintained that Pakistan’s strategy was within the spirit of the game. “It must be hard for Scotland to be watching this,” he said. “But I think it was a fair tactic and didn’t bring the game into disrepute.” For the unversed, 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. Web Desk
