Former India batsman Parthiv Patel said he was baffled by Pakistan’s approach in their U-19 World Cup clash against India. On Sunday 1 February, Pakistan slumped to a 58-run defeat at the Queen’s Sports Oval in Bulawayo, crashing out of the tournament and failing to qualify for the semi-finals.
Entering the Super Six with a net run disadvantage (NRR), Pakistan needed more than just a win to advance. They had to chase down India’s total of 252 runs in roughly 33.3 overs to overhaul India’s excellent NRR and book a semi-final spot.
However, Pakistan has shown little intention of stepping up or playing big shots during the chase and losing by 58 runs. Patel said he was surprised by the lack of urgency and desire the side showed in a high-pressure, must-win game.
“I’m just trying to understand one thing here, the way Pakistan approached this game. If India were in the same situation and if they approached it in a way that they wouldn’t even try to go to the semi-finals, what would have happened?” Patel said on JioHotstar’s ‘Dil Se India’ show.
“I don’t think the coaching staff can train anywhere else. In under-19 cricket, the role of coaches and support staff is very important.”
“You are experienced and that is why you have been given the role to guide the young players on their cricketing journey. But unfortunately, Pakistan just didn’t look like they wanted to push for that semi-final spot. The lack of desire to win was quite evident,” Patel added.
HOW PAKISTAN LOST TO INDIA?
Batting first, India U19 posted a competitive 252 in 49.5 overs with Vedant Trivedi scoring 68 to anchor the innings while valuable contributions from the lower order ensured a strong finish. Pakistan’s task was steep as they not only needed to win but also needed to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR) and secure their place in the semi-finals.
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However, Pakistan’s chase never picked up the required speed. They were bowled out for 194 in 46.2 overs, with Usman Khan top-scoring with 66 and Hamza Zahoor adding 42, but the scoring rate remained well below what was needed from the early stages.
Despite some promising partnerships, Pakistan failed to step up and failed to meet the target as well as the NRR requirement, confirming India’s progress to the semi-finals. Usman Khan scored 66 off 92 but his efforts were in vain as Pakistan were bowled out for 194 in 46.2 overs.
India next face Afghanistan on February 4 at the Harare Sports Club.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 2, 2026