Pakistan's captain Babar Azam shouldered the blame for his team's underwhelming performance against the United States in the ongoing T20 World Cup. In a post-match interview, Azam conceded that Pakistan fell short in all three facets of the game, ultimately leading to a crushing defeat in the Super Over.
This result marks a significant upset in the tournament. The U. S. , playing in their first T20 World Cup, chased down a target of 160 against a team considered to be a title contender. Pakistan's batting order sputtered early, with Azam and teammate Shadab Khan the only batsmen to find any significant form. Their bowling attack, known for its pace and aggression, failed to capitalize on a lively Dallas pitch during the powerplay, allowing the American openers to establish a crucial partnership.
Azam acknowledged a lack of focus from his team, particularly in the early stages of the match. "We weren't up to the mark in executing our plans, " he admitted. "We prepared well, but in the match itself, we couldn't translate that preparation into results. " Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain the American batsmen in the middle overs, with their spinners failing to take any wickets. This allowed the U. S. to stay in contention throughout the chase.
The closely fought contest went down to the wire, with both teams tied after the regulation overs. In the Super Over, Pakistan's bowlers conceded a hefty 18 runs without taking a wicket, effectively handing victory to the U. S. This defeat throws Pakistan's World Cup qualification into jeopardy, placing immense pressure on their performance in the remaining group stage matches.
Azam vowed that his team would learn from their mistakes and bounce back stronger. "We are a better team than this, " he asserted. However, Pakistan faces an uphill battle to regain their composure and navigate a challenging group that includes India and South Africa. The American team, meanwhile, has captured the imagination of the cricketing world with their giant-killing performance. Their victory over Pakistan is a testament to the growing depth and competitiveness of the sport.