New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Following Pakistan’s embarrassing defeat against the hosts United States in the T20 World Cup, former skipper Wasim Akram lashed out at the team saying that it was a pathetic performance by Men in Green on Thursday.
The United States clinched a historic win over Pakistan in a thrilling super over in the 11th match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Speaking on Star Sports, the former left-arm seamer asserted the credit goes to the US team, the way they played cricket throughout the match.
“Pathetic performance. They were playing against the USA. I was confident, Pakistani fans were confident that they will win. Credit to the way the USA played their cricket. The first innings, the second innings, when they came out to chase and of course, the Super Over,” Akram was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The World Cup-winning player further stated that following the loss it would be difficult for Pakistan to qualify for Super 8 as they have to play India and two other good teams in their group stage matches.
“19 runs is like 36 runs in an over in Super Overs. So well done USA. Pakistan will struggle from here onwards to qualify for the Super 8s because they have to play India and two other good teams,” the former cricketer added.
He said turning point of the game was when US took the early wickets.
“I think the turning point of the game, the way they got early wickets. Pakistan they had one little partnership between Shadab and Babar and nobody looked comfortable after that. The fielding was average. The overall cricket was very average. Winning and losing is part of it, we all know. But, till the last ball, show some fight, put some dives. Catches are getting dropped, they’re not getting any wickets. It was a bad day for Pakistan,” the 58-year-old concluded.
Recapping the game, Pakistan managed to score 159/7 after Shaheen Afridi came in and pulled off a couple of big hits at the end.
In reply, the USA looked well poised to chase down the total after Andries Gous and the captain Monank Patel brought up a 68-run partnership.
But Pakistan made inroads of a comeback with the pacers hitting consistent line and length. With five needed on the final ball, Nitish Kumar struck a four to send the game to Super Over.
Experienced quick Mohammad Amir, who shined in the penultimate over, was handed the ball to bowl the final six deliveries.
But it turned out to be a complete contrast in performance, he missed his line, bowled a couple of wides and gave away 18 runs.
In reply, Pakistan folded on 13/1 and allowed the USA to walk away with a 5-run win. (ANI)
