Pakistan cricket team suffered a devastating loss to India in New York on Sunday. This defeat, by six runs in the pursuit of 120, has severely dented Pakistan’s chances of advancing in the World Cup. Despite a strong start with the bat and impressive bowling, Pakistan’s mistakes proved costly.
The team’s lack of game awareness was evident throughout the game, starting with skipper Babar Azam’s unnecessary improvisation after a promising start. Usman Khan’s poor shot selection and Fakhar Zaman’s unnecessary aggression also hurt the team. Mohammad Rizwan’s defensive play and then ill-advised attack on Jasprit Bumrah led to his dismissal. Shadab Khan’s misjudgment against Hardik Pandya’s bowling further dented Pakistan’s chances.
One of the major gaps in the batting line is the absence of power hitters and finishers. This was evident in the final overs when Pakistan struggled to score boundaries. The middle order’s inconsistency and lack of experience added to the team’s woes. The absence of a fast bowling all-rounder also limited Pakistan’s options. The turning point came when Imad Wasim missed three consecutive balls from Axar Patel. The inability of Imad and Iftikhar to hit boundaries in the final overs sealed Pakistan’s fate.
Pakistan’s repeated mistakes include conceding unnecessary runs to tailenders, getting complacent after taking key wickets and failing to bowl out the opposition. This has been a persistent issue for the team, and it’s astonishing that they haven’t learned from past experiences.
Furthermore, the management, coaches and captain must share responsibility for the defeat. The lack of clear messaging and guidance during the match was evident. The captain’s role is crucial in motivating and calming players under pressure. Babar Azam’s leadership has been questioned before, and this match added to the concerns. The team’s preparation and training have also come under scrutiny.
Fans were left heartbroken. The dreams of a World Cup victory have been shattered once again, leaving fans feeling frustrated. Social media was flooded with emotional posts, with fans expressing their disappointment and anger. The team’s struggles have sparked fears that Pakistan cricket is heading towards a decline similar to hockey.
SHAHZAD RANA
KARACHI
