After Pakistan lost to the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup, there was likely to be a strong backlash. And the same happened. Pakistan’s cricket fraternity reacted with disbelief after the team’s shock defeat at the hands of US tournament newcomers in the T20 World Cup, calling it a “black day”. Playing in their World Cup debut, debutants USA won in the Super Over to surprise former champions Pakistan after both teams finished with the same score in the regular game at Dallas’ Grand Prairie Stadium. Former captain Younis Khan said Pakistan made some tactical mistakes when it mattered most.
“I would have liked to see Fakhar Zaman bat at super against the left-hand seamer. But one can only learn from such a bad day and I hope Babar Azam and the other players now look at every game as a do or die game,” said Younis.
According to Younis, what was most disappointing was the fact that there is a huge Pakistani community in the US, which supports the team wholeheartedly.
Pace legend Wasim Akram termed the team’s performance as pathetic.
“It didn’t feel like Pakistan were playing against a team that has limited exposure against top teams.” He also criticized the lack of effort on the field by some players.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif shared an image that showed Pakistan had canceled a gala dinner. “Who is providing the tour schedule in advance to whom? Are they pre-booked? Who is giving permission for events during a World Cup? @TheRealPCBMedia,” he wrote on X.
Who is providing the tour schedule in advance to whom? are they pre-arranged?, who is authorizing the events during a World Cup? @TheRealPCBMedia pic.twitter.com/juYxdjcZp7
—Rashid Latif | (@iRashidLatif68) June 7, 2024
Former opener Mohsin Khan said he was worried about the future of Pakistan cricket.
“This is not just a defeat, it is an unfortunate statement about the mental strength of our players. I don’t know what is going on, but somewhere I got the feeling that our players underestimated the USA,” he said.
Khan, who was coach and chief selector from 2010 to 2012, said the upcoming match against India has become a do-or-die contest for the struggling team.
“We have to win this game at all costs, otherwise we will be out of the super eight.” Pakistan and USA scored 159 each in regulation time before the latter successfully defended 18 runs in the Super Over to record a famous victory in Dallas on Thursday.
“It is a dark day in the history of Pakistan cricket. I mean, where is the pride and that fighting spirit that was synonymous with our players,” said cricket analyst Omair Alavi.
Before the defeat against the USA, Pakistan had also lost to the likes of Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland in recent times.
Former captain Javed Miandad credited the US team for pulling off a big upset despite playing at the highest level for the first time.
“I mean, look at our experience and exposure compared to them, but I give full credit to the USA for holding their nerves and playing with discipline. Look at the catches they made, that turned the game in their favor,” he said.
The big hitter said it was now absolutely necessary for the players to bounce back in the remaining matches of the tournament.
“I look at the psyche of our cricket fans and I think they can redeem themselves by trying to beat India on Sunday,” he said.
The result also sparked speculation on social media that all is not well in the Pakistan dressing room.
Former Pakistan captain and coach Mohammad Hafeez also criticized the team’s forgettable performance, saying the decision to return Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as starters meant the team’s management did not move forward.
Natasha, an avid cricket lover and fan of Babar, said that if Pakistan cannot beat the USA, how can we expect them to beat a strong team like India.
“To be honest, I don’t see us playing in the Super Eight now. It’s over for us in this World Cup. The helplessness of our players was visible on their faces yesterday.”
With PTI inputs
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