Shoaib Akhtar the former renowned speedster from Pakistan vehemently criticized the team for letting slip a seemingly simple victory following a narrow sixrun defeat to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup clash held in New York on June 9. The Men in Green pursuing a seemingly attainable target of 120 runs had reached a comfortable 73/3 after 12 overs requiring a mere 47 runs off 48 deliveries.
However, they crumbled in the final eight overs, finishing at 113/7 in 20 overs and suffering their second consecutive loss to open the season. The surprising setback leaves Pakistan on the verge of elimination if the remaining Group A matches do not go their way.
Speaking to PTV Sports after the game, Shoaib Akhtar was taken aback by Pakistan’s batting meltdown, which resulted in India’s victory. Shoaib Akhtar said that the performance was unexpected and disappointing. Shoaib Akhtar emphasized the need for a better strategy and composure from the Pakistani batsmen. Shoaib Akhtar reiterated his surprise at the collapse and hoped for a strong comeback in future matches.
“I think we should give credit to Pakistan. They tried their best to lose this game. I could not think any other way. If you look at Pakistan’s middle-order and the whole batting order, it was just run-a-ball. Nobody asked you to hit, go across the line, do anything stupid. But, we made sure the match that could have been won easily by us. We refused to win it. Shocking, surprising.”
Shoaib Akhtar
Another former Pakistani cricketer, Younis Khan, criticized their batting, particularly the openers Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.
“For me, one of the batters must stay and finish the job. Rizwan had the chance to finish it but unfortunately, he couldn’t finish it. When you’re chasing, we have seen one batter play in the end. We always say Babar and Rizwan should improve. What’s that improvement? We keep on saying, what they need to differently. When you look at Virat Kohli or someone like Jos Buttler, when they play a long innings, they finish the game.”
Younis Khan
While Babar Azam went for a 10-ball 13, Rizwan threw away his wicket after being well-positioned for 31 from 44 deliveries. However, except from Rizwan, no other Pakistan batsman reached 16, suffocating a rather straightforward run chase.
“Pakistan have a mental block” – Mohammad Hafeez
Former Pakistan batter and coach Mohammad Hafeez said the team had a mental block against India, which resulted in such defeats.
The Men in Blue have won seven of the eight T20 World Cup matches between the two teams. Pakistan has also never defeated India in the ODI World Cup.
“India vs Pakistan isn’t a game about skills. The match is won with the mindset. Pakistan have a mental block. Even during my time, we lost to India not because of lack of skills, but due to the mentality. We talked about Naseem Shah’s mindset. Why did our normal batters not show the same mindset?”
Mohammad Hafeez
India’s defeat came after co-hosts USA upset Pakistan in their tournament opener with a Super Over.
Babar Azam’s Men will face Canada in their next match in New York on Tuesday, June 11.