Overview
- Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets in Harare, reaching 129 in 26.2 overs to seal a Super Six berth alongside group leaders England.
- Sameer Minhas anchored the chase with an unbeaten 74 off 75 balls, after Ali Raza led the bowling with 3 for 16 as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 128.
- Reports detail a deliberate slowdown between overs 16 and 25, including 50 dot balls and an 89-ball boundary drought, with the finish in the 27th over ensuring Zimbabwe advanced on net run rate.
- Under the tournament’s carry-forward rules, only results against fellow qualifiers count in the Super Six, so Zimbabwe’s progression boosts Pakistan’s carried NRR and nullifies England’s big win over Scotland for the next phase.
- The tactic has drawn contrasting reactions and references to ICC Code of Conduct Article 2.11, with possible scrutiny reported but no official sanctions announced.