“The lack of desire to win was pretty evident” - Parthiv Patel questions baffling tactics by Pakistan U19 vs India

During the 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup, Pakistan's strategies against India caused criticism because they made little effort to advance to the semi-finals and made sure India advanced to the following round without any pressure. To defeat the five-time winners, the Men in Green had to chase the goal of 253 in 33.3 overs.

Pakistan's strategy in the Super Six Game between the bitter rivals on Sunday (February 1) at the Queens Sports Oval in Bulawayo was widely criticised as they threw in the towel without even trying, suggesting that defeating India was more important to them than earning a spot in the 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup semi-finals.

Parthiv Patel, a former batter for India, expressed his confusion at Pakistan's strategy during their U19 World Cup match versus India. Pakistan was eliminated from the tournament and did not advance to the semi-finals after losing by 58 runs at the Queen's Sports Oval in Bulawayo on Sunday, February 1.

“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 had approached it in a way where they weren’t even trying to have a shot at making it to the semi-final, then what would have happened?” Patel said on JioHotstar's 'Dil Se India'.

“I don’t think that coaching staff would have been able to coach anywhere else. In Under-19 cricket, the role of the coaches and the support staff is very important. You are experienced and hence, have been given a role to guide 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 pretty evident,” Patel added.

Ultimately, Pakistan fell short of the 252-run target, underscoring India's impressive bowling performance. Both captain Ayush Mhate and left-arm spinner Khilan Patel claimed three wickets apiece. All-rounder Kanishk Chouhan won "Player of the Match" after taking a wicket and scoring a scorching 35.

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