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After Pakistan’s exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, former England captain Michael Vaughan questioned the team’s T20 credentials. Vaughan specifically highlighted that players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan do not measure up to the standards of top T20 teams.
Pakistan’s hopes of progressing to the T20 World Cup Super 8s were dashed by rain, which prevented a crucial match between the USA and Ireland on June 14 from taking place due to a wet outfield. The USA gained a vital point from the abandonment, securing their place in the Super 8s.
In Group A of the ICC tournament, Pakistan managed only two points from their three initial matches. Meanwhile, India had already secured their spot in the Super 8s with three consecutive victories. The USA finished second in Group A with five points after winning two matches out of four.
Michael Vaughan says Don’t Think They Have The Skill Set
During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Michael Vaughan raised concerns about the skill levels of Pakistan players, suggesting they lack the caliber seen in top T20 teams. Vaughan specifically questioned whether players like Babar Azam could match the standards set by teams such as England, Australia, India, or the West Indies in T20 cricket.
“I don’t think they have the skill set of what I’ve seen in the past from Pakistan cricket in T20 cricket. I honestly don’t think they’ve got many great T20 players. Babar Azam is exceptional, but would he make England’s, Australia’s, India’s, or the West Indies’ T20 teams? Probably not,” Vaughan said.
As a cricket commentator, Michael Vaughan pointed out Shaheen Shah Afridi’s potential to slot into elite teams. While acknowledging the T20 capabilities of Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, and Haris Rauf, Vaughan questioned their readiness for top international squads.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi would probably get into some of those teams because he’s outstanding. Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Mohmmad Amir, and Haris Rauf are good T20 players. But how many would make it into top teams? Not many,” he added.
Michael Vaughan said They Have No Clue How To Beat India
Michael Vaughan scrutinized Pakistan’s mental resilience against India, highlighting their failure to clinch crucial victories. He emphasized that Pakistan had a clear opportunity to win their recent World Cup match against India but faltered due to a lack of assertiveness and winning mindset.
“Mentally, they have no clue how to beat India. That’s true. I could see it in the chase. They should have absolutely strolled that game. There’s only one winner because India knows how to win and they have the mentality to get over the line, and for whatever reason, Pakistan just doesn’t seem to have that kind of swagger,” Vaughan concluded.
Under Babar Azam’s captaincy, Pakistan advanced to the final of the previous T20 World Cup. However, they fell short against England in Melbourne, missing out on their chance to claim a second title. During the tournament, Pakistan also suffered a defeat to India in a group stage match.