Playing in their maiden World Cup, newcomers USA prevailed in the Super Over to stun former champions Pakistan after both the teams ended at the same score in normal play at Dallas’ Grand Prairie Stadium.
Former captain Younis Khan pointed out that the team had committed crucial tactical errors at critical moments during the game, which ultimately led to their defeat. The loss has been described as a “black day” for Pakistan cricket, as they were expected to comfortably win against the inexperienced American side.
“I would have liked to see Fakhar Zaman take the strike in the super over against the left-arm seamer. But one can only learn from such a bad day and I hope Babar Azam and the other players now take every game as a do or die game,” Younis said.
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Younis expressed his dismay at the team’s performance, particularly given the substantial Pakistani community in the United States that fervently backs the team.
Legendary Wasim Akram was highly critical of the team’s showing, describing it as pathetic.
“It didn’t seem like Pakistan was playing against a team that has limited exposure against top teams.”
He was also critical of the lack of effort in the field by some of the players.
Former opener Mohsin Khan expressed his apprehension regarding the prospects of cricket in his country.
“This is not just a defeat, it is a sorry statement on the mental strength of our players. I don’t know what is going on but somewhere I got a feeling our players underestimated USA,” he said.
Khan, the former head coach and chief selector of the Pakistan cricket team from 2010 to 2012, emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming match against India for the struggling Pakistani side.
“We have to win that game at all costs otherwise we are out of the super eight.”
In a thrilling encounter held in Dallas on Thursday, Pakistan and the United States found themselves locked in a tie, with both teams scoring 159 runs in their allotted overs. The match then proceeded to a Super Over, where the USA showcased their bowling prowess by restricting Pakistan to a target of 18 runs.
“It is a black day in Pakistan cricket history. I mean where is the pride and that fighting spirit that was synonymous with our players,” said cricket analyst Omair Alavi.
Pakistan had suffered defeats against nations like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland in the recent past, prior to their unexpected loss to the United States.
Former captain Javed Miandad acknowledged the remarkable achievement of the American team in causing a major upset, especially considering it was their debut appearance at the pinnacle of international cricket.
“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 took, it turned the match in their favour,” he said.
The batting great said that it was absolutely necessary now 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 has also led to speculations on social media that all is not well in the Pakistan dressing room.
Pakistan’s former captain and coach, Mohammad Hafeez, was also critical of the team’s forgettable performance, saying that the decision to go back to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as openers meant the team management had not moved forward.
Natasha, an avid cricket lover and a Babar fan, said if Pakistan can’t beat the USA how can one expect them to win against a strong side like India.
“I don’t see us playing in the super eight now to be honest. It’s over for us in this World Cup. The helplessness of our players was visible on their faces yesterday.”
