Shahid Afridi Highlights Pakistan’s Blunder After Shocking Loss to USA
Former captain Shahid Afridi criticized Pakistan’s major blunder during their shocking loss to the United States in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The match ended in a tie after 20 overs each, but Pakistan lost by five runs in the super over, failing to chase down 19 runs.
Key Points from Afridi’s Analysis:
Super Over Strategy: Afridi highlighted the mistake of sending Iftikhar to face the first ball of the super over instead of Fakhar. He noted that Fakhar would have been more suited to face the left-arm fast bowler due to the angle.
Afridi’s Quote: “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.”
Bowling in the Super Over: Afridi expressed disappointment with Mohammad Amir’s performance in the super over.
Afridi’s Quote: “Mohammad Amir bowled really well during the match and I thought that they will go with him 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. 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.”
Match Overview:
Pakistan’s Innings: Pakistan set a target of 160 runs.
USA’s Response: The USA matched Pakistan’s score, finishing at 159-3, tying the match.
Post-Match Comments from Babar Azam:
Powerplay Performance: Babar noted that Pakistan failed to score with intent during the powerplay.
Babar’s Quote: “In the first six overs, we didn’t capitalize. Back-to-back wickets always put you on the back foot, as a batter you need to step up and build partnerships.”
Bowling Strategy: Babar emphasized the lack of effectiveness in the first six overs and the inability of the spinners to take wickets in the middle overs.
Babar’s Quote: “We were not up to the mark in the first 6 overs with the ball. Our spinners also did not take wickets in the middle overs so these things cost us.”
Credit to USA: Babar acknowledged the superior performance of the USA team.
Babar’s Quote: “All credit to the USA, they played better than us in all three departments. Little bit of moisture in the pitch, it was also two-paced. As a professional you need to assess the conditions.”
Upcoming Match:
Pakistan’s next match is against arch-rivals India on June 9 in New York.
Cricket Stats Table:
Statistic
Pakistan
USA
Total Runs Scored
159
159
Wickets Lost
7
3
FAQs
What was the main mistake Pakistan made in the super over?
They sent Iftikhar to face the first ball instead of Fakhar, who would have been better suited to handle the left-arm fast bowler.
Why was Afridi disappointed with Mohammad Amir’s bowling in the super over?
Despite his good performance during the match, Amir conceded too many extras in the super over, which was detrimental to Pakistan’s chances.
What was Pakistan’s main issue during their batting innings?
Pakistan failed to capitalize on the powerplay and lost back-to-back wickets, which hampered their ability to build a solid innings.
How did the USA manage to tie the match?
The USA played effectively, matching Pakistan’s score with crucial contributions from their batsmen, particularly Steven Taylor.
What did Babar Azam say about the team’s overall performance?
Babar mentioned the team’s failure to capitalize in the powerplay and the spinners’ inability to take wickets in the middle overs, acknowledging that the USA outperformed them in all departments.
