Cricket

“They tried their best to lose this game” – Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan for six-run defeat to India in 2024 T20 World Cup clash

Former Pakistan gun fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar slammed the Babar Azam-led team after their six-run loss against arch-rivals India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Sunday. Akhtar reckons Pakistan have themselves to blame for their heart-breaking loss against India.

The Men in Green was in a shoo-in position as they were 57-1 after 10 overs while chasing 120. Thus, Pakistan had wickets in hand but veered off the track in the second half of the run-chase.

The Babar-led team kept losing wickets at regular intervals and also played a lot of dot balls, which put them under the cosh. 

“I think we should give credit to Pakistan. They tried their best to lose this game. I could not think any other way. If you look at Pakistan’s middle-order and the whole batting order, it was just run-a-ball. Nobody asked you to hit, go across the line, do anything stupid. But, we made sure the match that could have been won easily by us. We refused to win it. Shocking, surprising,” Akhtar said on PTV Sports.

On the other hand, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan slammed the openers – Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan – for their mundane batting. Rizwan scored 31 runs off 44 balls but could not take his team over the line despite being settled.

“For me, one of the batters must stay and finish the job. Rizwan had the chance to finish it but unfortunately, he couldn’t finish it. When you’re chasing, we have seen one batter play in the end. We always say Babar and Rizwan should improve. What’s that improvement? We keep on saying, what they need to differently. When you look at Virat Kohli or someone like Jos Buttler, when they play a long innings, they finish the game,” stated Younis.

Former Pakistan batter and coach Mohammad Hafeez reckons the team has a mental block while facing India on the big stage.

“India vs Pakistan isn’t a game about skills. The match is won with the mindset. Pakistan have a mental block. Even during my time, we lost to India not because of lack of skills, but due to the mentality. We talked about Naseem Shah’s mindset. Why did our normal batters not show the same mindset?” said Hafeez.

Pakistan will next take on Canada at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Tuesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

PKL 12: Puneri Paltan vs Bengaluru Bulls, Match 59 – Preview

Puneri Paltan will lock horns against Bengaluru Bulls in the 59th match of the ongoing… Read More

October 2, 2025

PKL 12: Gujarat Giants vs U Mumba, Match 60 – Preview

Gujarat Giants will square off against U Mumba in the 60th match of the ongoing… Read More

October 2, 2025

Chelsea vs. Liverpool Preview

Chelsea and Liverpool clash in what promises to be an entertaining Premier League game on… Read More

October 1, 2025

Arsenal vs. West Ham United Preview

Arsenal clashes with West Ham United in what promises to be a very entertaining game… Read More

October 1, 2025

Will Luka Doncic Influence LeBron James’ Future?

After a quiet summer, LeBron James spoke to the press at nearly 41 years old… Read More

October 1, 2025

AFC Bournemouth vs. Fulham Preview

AFC Bournemouth clashes with Fulham in what promises to be a very entertaining game on… Read More

October 1, 2025