Legendary Indian batsman Virender Sehwag took a shot at Pakistan after their humiliating defeat against India in a T20 World Cup 2024 match. This loss marked Pakistan's seventh T20 World Cup defeat to their arch-rivals. Pakistan, needing just 120 runs to win, fell short by six runs, finishing at 113/7. This setback came after another embarrassing defeat against USA, leaving them with matches against Canada and Ireland remaining in the tournament.
While Pakistan seemed comfortable in the chase with only three wickets down, the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan (31) in the 15th over proved to be a turning point. A 37-ball stretch without boundaries followed, ultimately derailing their chase. Despite Naseem Shah's late surge with two boundaries in the final over, Pakistan fell short of the target.
Virender Sehwag takes a pot shot at Pakistan's loss against India
Sehwag, analyzing Pakistan's loss, stated they have no one to blame but themselves. He jokingly compared their performance to the IPL team Punjab Kings, known for their inconsistency.
"Pakistan ne apne pair pe kulhaadi mari hai" Pakistan were in a good position after bowling India out for just 119. They were in a good position till the 12-13th over," Sehwag told Cricbuzz.
Sehwag pointed out that Pakistan's struggle to chase a modest target of 120 exposes their inconsistency as a team.
"If Pakistan fails to chase even 120, with the wicket not being "unplayable" as it was in the first match then it's their fault entirely. They played bad shots and more dot-balls than India. This is not an unpredictable Pakistan side. This is a predictable Pakistan side which crumbles under pressure" Sehwag added further.
Sehwag went further, highlighting a crucial failing in Pakistan's approach. He argued that their inability to read the pitch conditions during the chase was the only factor that could have snatched victory from their grasp after a dominant bowling performance in the first innings. Pakistan's pace attack had thrived in the bowler-friendly conditions, taking wickets consistently throughout the innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Amir all contributed, putting their team in a strong position.
Pakistan's batting woes continued as they faltered under pressure yet again. After the crucial dismissals of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan by Jasprit Bumrah (who bagged Player of the Match with 3/14), the lower order couldn't contribute much to the chase. India's bowling attack, featuring an all-pace lineup with Hardik Pandya (2 wickets), Arshdeep Singh (1 wicket), and Axar Patel (1 wicket) chipping in alongside Bumrah, proved too strong for Pakistan.
This victory holds historical significance. India's total of 119 is the lowest they've ever defended in a T20I match, and the lowest ever defended in a T20 World Cup. It's also the second-lowest total successfully defended against Pakistan in T20Is.
Both teams look ahead to their remaining fixtures. India face the USA (June 12th) and Canada (June 15th), while Pakistan take on Canada (June 11th) and Ireland (June 16th).
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