Former New Zealand cricketer and renowned commentator Simon Doull came out in support of Pakistan following their seven-wicket victory over Canada in the must-win ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 clash.
Former champions Pakistan, who were on the verge of an early exit, chased down a modest 107-run target against Canada in 17.3 overs and for the loss of three wickets.
Despite finally tasting their first triumph in the ongoing mega event, the 2009 champions were criticized for not chasing down the target in fewer overs.
According to the details, if Pakistan had chased down the total in around 14 overs then they would have gone past the United States of America (USA) in terms of net run-rate.
But Simon Doull backed Babar Azam-led side and asserted that the tricky conditions made it tough to score freely.
“We did see some aggressive intent [from Pakistan] but that pitch is very difficult to play anything across the line and to get the timing right down the ground. First and foremost, the two points were the big key for them and don’t have any periods where you let Canada back in the game and give your wickets away,” Doull said.
Doull further said that chasing down the total with 15 balls to spare would decently uplift the team’s net run-rate while India’s comfortable win over the USA will also help them.
“They still did it with 15 balls to spare which will do their run-rate a bit of good and India can help them with a comfortable win over the USA,” stated Doull.
“Then Pakistan and USA might be on a similar sort of situation as far as run-rate is concerned by the end of tomorrow,” he added.
Pakistan next face Ireland in their final group-stage fixture on June 16 while the USA will compete against India and Ireland in their next fixtures.
If the host nation manage to win one more game then Pakistan’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 would be over.
Pakistan are third in the Group A standings with two points in three matches while the USA are second with four points in two matches.
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