ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026: Pakistan’s bizarre chase helps Zimbabwe qualify for Super Sixes

Pakistan’s bizarre run chase against Zimbabwe was the highlight of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 on Thursday. Chasing a modest 129 runs to win, Pakistan was cruising at 84 for two in 14 overs, but decided to drag the chase and eventually completed it in 26.2 overs. Had it completed the chase inside 25.2 overs, Scotland would have qualified for the Super Six stage ahead of Zimbabwe. However, Pakistan’s slowdown ensured Zimbabwe made it to the next round at Scotland’s expense. The outcome helped Pakistan gain a significant advantage in terms of run rate owing to the tournament’s format.

According to the rules, teams carry forward points and Net Run Rate from the group stage to the Super Six phase, but only from the matches that involve sides that qualify for the next round from the group. By helping Zimbabwe qualify for the Super Sixes, Pakistan boosted its Net Run Rate as it beat the Zimbabweans with 142 balls to spare, a win margin significantly bigger than its victory over Scotland, which came with 41 balls to spare.

Pakistan opener Sameer Minhas starred in the chase, scoring an unbeaten 74, while Ali Raza was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/16 in eight overs as Zimbabwe folded for 128 in 35.5 overs.

The win helped Pakistan finish in second place in Group C, with two wins in three games. England topped the group with three wins in as many games, while Zimbabwe finished third with a solitary point. Scotland was placed at the bottom of Group C, and failed to advance to the Super Sixes.

Meanwhile, West Indies capped its group-stage campaign with a 55-run win over South Africa in a low-scoring contest. Opener Zachary Carter top-scored with 114 as the Windies were bowled out for 234 in 47.5 overs, with left-arm pacer JJ Basson picking 5/23 in 10 overs.

However, Basson’s heroics with the ball went in vain as South Africa was bundled out for 179, with Jason Rowles’ 46 being the only meaningful contribution. South Africa finished third in Group D after conceding its second defeat, having lost to Afghanistan earlier in the tournament. With two wins in three games, West Indies was placed second, while Afghanistan topped the standings, with three wins in three games, heading into the Super Sixes.

In Group A, Ireland confirmed its spot in the Super Sixes with a four-wicket win over Japan. Freddie Ogilby and Sebastian Dijkstra notched up fifties to guide Ireland’s successful 248-run chase, which ended with two overs to spare. It was an all-round effort for Japan, which scored 247 for nine in 50 overs, thanks to Charlie Hara-Hinze’s 57, which was supported by five more scores of 20 or more.

However, Ireland overhauled Japan’s total with relative ease and finished third in Group A, with one win in three matches. Japan, which was winless after three games, failed to progress to the next stage.