Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali did not hold back in his criticism as Salman Agha-led side were beaten comprehensively by India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group stage clash. Ali wondered why Agha opted to bowl first on a pitch where he should’ve backed the bowlers to defend. He apologised in advance to the viewers in case he uses foul words while scrutinising the decision which has been questioned by many. He pointed out that Zimbabwe beat Australia at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo after batting first but Agha chose to back his bowlers to restrict the firepower-loaded Indian side.
"No 1 team to hai India. Hamara unse koi muqabla bhi nehi hai. Lekin hum ahmak log hai. Hum jaahil log hai. Main aaj mafi ke saath, jitne hamare dekhne wale hai agar badtameezi wale word nikal jaye toh to maaf kar dena bhai. Jin jaahilo ko yeh nahi pata ki is jagah pe teen match huye hai aur teen o pehle bari lene wale jeete hai. Zimbabwe wala match inke samne hai. Usse pitch pe match ho raha hai. Aur toss jeet ke bowling kar rahe hai. Aur kya kehte hai? Hamara spin department bahut acha hai. Abey toh achi cheez hai woh baad mein karo na ullu. Kisne bola hai pehle bowling karo," Ali said on YouTube show 'The Game Plan' which also featured former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal.
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Here’s the translation of Ali’s comments
"India is the No 1 team. There is no comparison with them. But we are illiterate people. I want to apologise to everyone beforehand if I mistakenly use some ill-mannered words. Some ignorant people don’t even know that three matches have been played at this venue, and in all three, the team batting first has won. The Zimbabwe match is right there in front of you. The game is being played on the same pitch. You win the toss and choose to bowl. And then you say, ‘Our spin department is very strong.’ Well then, use that strength later, you fool. Who told you to bowl first?"
After the defeat, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson had defended the decision to bowl first. Hesson blamed the spinners for not sticking to the basics when put under pressure by a rampaging Ishan Kishan who took the game away from them.
How Pakistan can qualify for Super 8?
Pakistan registered wins against Netherlands and USA before the 61-run defeat to India. In their last league stage game against Namibia, they need a win to advance to Super 8.
If rain plays spoilsport in Colombo and the game gets washed out, Pakistan won’t suffer the same fate as the mighty Australians. They will progress to the next stage as USA have two wins from four games. However, if Namibia pull off an upset, Pakistan will bow out of the tournament as their net run rate (NRR) is inferior to USA.