(ICC Credit)
Yuvraj Singh expressed dissatisfaction with Babar Azam’s strategy following Pakistan’s unexpected defeat against the USA in the T20 World Cup.
The 2024 T20 World Cup saw its inaugural major upset, potentially the most significant in the tournament’s history, as co-hosts the USA triumphed over former champions Pakistan at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. In a gripping Super Over showdown, the home team showcased remarkable composure to match Pakistan’s total of 159 runs in the 20-over encounter. Left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar emerged as the hero in the decisive one-over shootout, securing USA’s second consecutive victory in the tournament.
Yuvraj Singh, the ex-Indian cricketer, expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s tactics during the Super Over. Despite a target of 19 runs, Pakistan faced challenges, with Mohammed Amir’s struggles against left-handed batter Harmeet resulting in several wides. Additionally, Pakistan’s fielding effort was lackluster. Despite this, Pakistan opted to send in batters Iftikhar Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman to chase down the target. However, Pakistan only managed to score 13 runs for the loss of one wicket, allowing the USA to clinch the Super Over victory by a margin of 5 runs.
Following Pakistan’s surprising defeat, Yuvraj Singh, one of the brand ambassadors for the World Cup, took to social media to express his thoughts. He believed that Babar Azam made a strategic error by not allowing Fakhar Zaman to face Saurabh Netravalkar during the Super Over. This decision could have prevented the left-arm pacer from exploiting his angles against a left-handed batter, potentially giving Pakistan an advantage. However, Fakhar never had the opportunity to come on strike during the Super Over, as right-handed Shadab Khan faced the remaining three deliveries after Iftikhar Ahmed’s dismissal.
“I don’t understand why didn’t @FakharZamanLive take strike to a lefty seamer – when it is easier for a left hander to hit through the angle that bowler is tryin to create. Nonetheless have to give it #TeamUSA @usacricket for making smart decisions under pressure specially the captain Monank Patel,” wrote Yuvraj.
Yuvraj Singh, a former T20 World Cup champion, raised concerns for Pakistan ahead of their highly anticipated clash against India on Sunday in New York. With the Men in Blue securing a victory against Ireland on Wednesday, the pressure mounts on Pakistan in what is now a must-win game. This urgency stems from the USA’s strong start in the T20 World Cup, having won their opening match against Canada earlier in the week, putting them in a favorable position to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
He added: “Now, Pakistan needs a must-win against India & they surely need to bat & field better! With India’s strong start, it’s gonna be hard to beat us!”
