The cricketing community in Pakistan was left shocked and surprised when the national team were beaten by United States in a match held at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. In the normal play, the match ended up in a tie forcing “Super Over” decider.
Making their maiden World Cup appearance, new comers USA emerged winners of the Super Over to stun former champions Pakistan after both the teams drew level during regular play at Dallas’ Grand Prairie Stadium.
According to former captain Younis Khan, poor decision making by his team at crucial times cost them their game against US. The loss has been referred to as a “black day” for Pakistani cricket because they were expected to comfortably win against inexperienced American side.
“I would have preferred Fakhar Zaman face the last over from the left-arm seamer but it’s just one of those bad days that I hope Babar Azam and company will take every other game as do or die,” Younis said.
Younis regretted that this happened considering that America has a large Pakistani population which is strongly behind their team.
Legendary Wasim Akram criticized sharply on how pathetic was what he saw from his country’s NT
He also had something negative to say about some of his teammates’ fielding efforts that day.
Ex-opener Mohsin Khan felt pessimistic about cricket’s future in his country.
“This is not only defeat; this is a sad statement on our players’ mental strength. Somewhere I felt our players have under estimated USA and I don’t know what that means,” he said.
Former head coach and chief selector of Pakistan Cricket Team between 2010-2012 Mohsin Khan stressed on how important was India-Pakistan tie for a struggling Pakistani side right now
On Thursday, an exciting contest took place in Dallas where both teams – Pakistan and USA managed to score 159 runs apiece before they tied off with each other. The match then moved into a Super Over where USA choked Pakistan to a target of 18 runs.
“Today is a black day in Pakistan cricket history. I mean where is the pride and that fighting spirit that was synonymous with our players,” said Omair Alavi, a cricket analyst.
Before losing to United States unexpectedly, Pakistan had lost games against teams like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland in recent times.
Former captain Javed Miandad admitted the American team’s achievement as amazing especially given they were playing international cricket at the highest level for the first time ever.
“I mean, compare our experience and exposure to theirs but I salute the USA for their calmness under pressure and disciplined display. Study how many catches they made, it is what turned the match in their side,” he noted.
He insisted that now more than ever, players had to come back strongly in the remaining matches of this tournament.
“The motivation of our cricket fans makes me believe they can restore some pride by beating India on Sunday,” he mentioned.
The outcome has also sparked speculation on social media that all is not well in the Pakistan dressing room.
Similarly, Mohammad Hafeez who is a former captain and coach of Pakistan criticized the team’s poor performance as he indicated that returning to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as openers was a sign that Pakistani management was stuck.
Natasha, an avid cricket lover who adores Babar’s style of play said if Pakistan could not overcome USA what do you want them to do against a strong team like India?
“To be honest I don’t see us playing super eight anymore. It is over with us in this world cup. Our players’ despair was visible from yesterday”
