Pakistan deliberately slow down to knock Scotland out: Exploitation of rules or tactical genius?

Chasing 129 in a Group C match at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, Pakistan reached 132/2 in 26.2 overs and booked their place in the second round - while a few overs of “how” ended up writing Scotland’s exit.

Pakistan’s pursuit started at a sprint. They were 84 at the end of the 14th over, cruising. Then the innings took a strange turn, boundaries disappeared, dot balls piled up, and the chase slowed to a careful jog even though the required rate remained comfortable. Between the 16th and the 25th overs, Pakistan played 50 dot balls and scored only 27 runs across 10 overs. There was also a stretch of 89 balls without a boundary - until the finish suddenly arrived via two big hits.

The logic sits inside a tournament rider most fans only discover when it hurts. In the Super Six, teams carry forward points and net run rate only from group stage games against the other qualifiers from their group. So it matters not just that you qualify, but who qualifies with you.

Pakistan’s win over Zimbabwe was by a far bigger margin than their win over Scotland. If Zimbabwe qualified, Pakistan would carry forward the Zimbabwe result into the Super Six - and with it a healthier NRR position. If Scotland qualified instead, Pakistan’s carried forward maths would look less flattering. That is why the cut-off overs mattered, and why the chase tempo became the story.

Whether it stays a moral debate or becomes an official matter depends on intent.The ICC’s code allows scrutiny if actions are seen as an attempt to manipulate outcomes for inappropriate strategic reasons, including net run rate.

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