India, Jan. 23 -- Pakistan U19 beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Thursday, but the win that sent them to the Super Six triggered a backlash that had little to do with the performance of the players.

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.

With England and Pakistan already set to progress, the final Super Six ticket from the group came down to net run rate between Zimbabwe and Scotland. Scotland's cricket was finished, but their fate wasn't; it was waiting on one last chase.

Pakistan's pursuit started at a sprint. They were 84 at the end o...