Legendary Pakistan cricketers Inzamam-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis and Shahid Afridi lashed out at the national team following their upset defeat against the United States of America (USA) in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Pakistan endured a five-run defeat against the co-hosts in the Super Over as they failed to chase down the 19-run target.
Senior pacer Mohammad Amir bowled the Super Over for Pakistan and conceded 18 runs. In response, the Green Shirts only managed 13/1.
Reacting to the defeat on his YouTube channel, former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq stated the team is heading towards a “downfall”.
“Babar Azam and company should sit down and think about the kind of cricket they are playing. But, looking at our cricket and selection, I think our cricket is headed towards downfall,” the former right-hander said.
Legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi, on the other hand, raised questions over the team’s strategies in crucial situations.
“They made a huge mistake by opting for Iftikhar instead of Fakhar to play the first ball of the super over. The left-arm fast bowler would have suited Fakhar because of the angle of the bowling. I don’t know who told Iftikhar to face the left-armer,” Afridi said on his YouTube channel.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
Afridi also questioned Mohammad Amir’s performance in the Super Over.
“Mohammad Amir bowled really well during the match and I thought that they will go with in the super over as well. But he conceded a lot of extras in the super over which also didn’t help Pakistan’s cause,” stated Afridi.
“He is experienced and knows how to bowl yorkers. The ball was reversing as well which is why I think he shouldn’t have given away so many runs,” he added.
On the other hand, legendary pacer Waqar Younis termed the USA’s victory over Pakistan historic and asserted that the national team looked “helpless”.
“USA grounded Pakistan in their opening game. History’s been registered. Pakistan looked exhausted and helpless in the field. Congrats USA for a thumping victory,” Waqar tweeted.
READ: Babar Azam highlights shortcomings after Pakistan’s shock loss against USA