Former Pakistan all-rounder Mudassar Nazar says he is not surprised with Pakistan’s dismal show after they have suffered a consecutive defeats in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Making a scathing attack on Babar Azam-led Pakistan after their six-run loss against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Westbury, New York on Sunday.
And so after bowling India out for 119 in 19 overs, Pakistan was restricted to 113 for 7 in 20 overs in the low-scoring thriller. India’s six-run win put Pakistan, the 2022 runners-up, on the brink of a group-stage exit.
“Better team won. Pakistan came very close because of the nature of the pitch,” says Mudassar Nazar on the show ‘Caught Behind.’
Nazar lauded team India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who returned with the match figures of 3 for 14. Chasing a seemingly meager target of 120, Pakistan was cruising at 80-3 after 14 overs before Bumrah cannoned a ball into the stumps to dismiss Pakistan’s top-scorer Mohammad Rizwan for 31. He added the wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed off the last ball of a terrific spell.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah, left, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, right on ground, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Westbury, New York, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
“Jasprit Bumrah was the difference and Pakistan was lucky that he didn’t bowl with the new ball,” he said.
“Rohit’s captaincy was also excellent, the bowling changes he made was good.”
“If you see the combination of Pakistan cricket team and the results they have produced against New Zealand’s C team, Ireland and then England, we shouldn’t be surprised,” he said.
“We were surprised when we lost to USA. But if you see the way US have played against Bangladesh, you can get an idea that Pakistan are going to struggle against the US team in the World Cup,” he added.
The 68-year-old slammed the Pakistan team management and their “pseudo all-rounders.”
Pakistan’s Imad Wasim, left, reacts after bowling a delivery to India’s Rishabh Pant during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Westbury, New York. (AP | PTI)
“There is no substance in this team. Two openers, they play well. Then it is hit and miss. You can’t win big games with pseudo all-rounders,” he said.
“In pressure situation you need specialists. We need people with big heart. The middle order of ours, have they ever won us a tournament with the bat. They have not even won matches for their franchise in Pakistan Super League (PSL). Then we were expecting them against Bumrah, that they will stand up, we are living far from the reality,” he added.
Nazar defended Pakistan’s newly-appointed coach Gary Kirsten, saying he doesn’t even know his team’s best playing XI.
“Gary Kirsten is a brilliant coach but once tournament will get over then only he will know what is his best playing XI. He doesn’t know what his best XI is yet. He should have been appointed as coach from the New Zealand series. Now he is depended over Azhar Mahmood and Babar Azam. He looked clueless during the Super Over and doesn’t know what should be his best three batters. When Azam khan was playing and he is known for his hitting then why not he was sent out to bat in the Super Over,” he said.
Source:indianexpress.com