With their World Cup journey cut short, Pakistan will play their final group-stage match against Ireland on Sunday. However, the focus has shifted to larger concerns about their white-ball strategy and player selection going forward.
Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has sparked debate after questioning Pakistan’s white-ball team following their disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 group-stage exit. He also blasted captain Babar Azam’s skills.
Missed opportunities haunt Pakistan
Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the Super 8s hinged on Ireland defeating the United States. However, rain washed out the crucial match, sending the US through to their first-ever Super 8 appearance alongside India from Group A. Pakistan’s fate was sealed by their narrow defeats – a Super Over loss to the US and a six-run setback against India.
Michael Vaughan believes Pakistan only have themselves to blame. “They shouldn’t be looking at the weather,” he said on a Cricbuzz show. “They had opportunities to beat both the US and India, and those wins would have secured their spot.”
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan under pump
Vaughan further challenged the capabilities of Pakistan’s batting duo, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He questioned their ability to fit into other top T20 teams globally.
“While Babar is undeniably exceptional, would he make it into the T20 teams of England, Australia, India, or even the West Indies? Probably not,” he remarked.
Both Azam and Rizwan underwhelmed with the bat, scoring 91 and 93 runs respectively in the tournament, with strike rates below 105.
Mental Hurdle Against India
Vaughan also highlighted Pakistan’s struggles against arch-rivals India in T20 World Cups. “Mentally, they seem unable to overcome India,” he stated. “They lack the winning mentality that India possesses.”
Pakistan has now lost seven out of their last eight encounters against India in the T20 World Cup.
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Pakistan future uncertain
With their World Cup journey cut short, Pakistan will play their final group-stage match against Ireland on Sunday. However, the focus has shifted to larger concerns about their white-ball strategy and player selection going forward.
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