Team India's five-wicket loss against South Africa on October 30 (Sunday) at the Optus Stadium in Perth left not just over a billion Indians dejected but also broke the hearts of millions of Pakistan cricket fans. With just two points in three matches, the Men in Green needed some assistance from their neighbours in order to boost the probability of making the semi-finals. However, India's defeat came as a body blow to Pakistan as South Africa scaled to the top of the group with five points in three matches.
Pakistan are not mathematically out of the T20 World Cup yet, but their chances of making the semi-finals now depend on other results in Group 2. Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar also admitted that India's defeat has all but ended the Men in Greens dream of winning the title.
"India have nearly ended our chances by losing to South Africa. Not India's fault though, Pakistan played so badly. We left this thing to others. I was wishing and hoping, India would come strong and hard. This goes to show that when you are against a quality bowling attack, the condition of the subcontinent teams come out in the open. If they would have players patiently, maybe they would have done. India have left us disappointed," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
Akhtar also reflected on India's poor batting against the venomous South African pace attack, which ultimately was the reason behind the Men in Blue's defeat.
India have been exposed in front of South Africa fast bowling but they are not and about because they'll have easier matches now. Pakistan have to face a difficult opponent in South Africa. It still looks difficult and impossible but I am still backing my tea. Let's see what happens," he said.
India will lock horns against Bangladesh on November 02 (Wednesday) while Pakistan will be up against South Africa on November 03 (Thursday).
