Alec Stewart is unhappy with a two-day wait
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Alec Stewart has called for future World Cups to schedule final group matches simultaneously.
The England wicket-keeper believes Pakistan can only benefit from knowing what they need to do to qualify for the next round against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
And Stewart hopes to avaoid a repeat of England's agonising two-day wait to discover whether they will reach the Super Sixes, despite Sunday's narrow defeat to Australia.
"In a way the defeat to Australia hasn't affected us too much and Pakistan do know what they have to win by, but I believe the last round of matches should all be played on the same day at the same time," he said.
"That's what they do in soccer and that's what they did in the last World Cup four years ago.
To progress, England need Pakistan to beat Zimbabwe without overhauling their run rate.
"I can't remember a previous situation like this in my career," said the 39-year-old Stewart.
"I just hope that Pakistan win but don't win too well. I guess it will probably be best for us if they bat first.
"Pakistan could easily win by the required margin or they could lose pretty easily - they are very unpredictable.
"I'd like to think they have professional pride. The fact is if they do lose and don't qualify they'll get hammered when they go home."
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