June 7th 2024.
The defeat left Dallas in a state of shock. The Super Over against USA in their T20 World Cup opener had ended in defeat for Pakistan, and captain Babar Azam couldn't help but admit that his team had taken things "a little lightly." It was clear that they had failed to perform in any aspect of the game, and the co-hosts had pulled off a major upset by defeating the former champions and last edition's finalists.
This loss was a harsh reminder of Pakistan's unpredictability in the world of cricket. They had suffered similar defeats in the past, losing to seemingly weaker teams like Zimbabwe in the last T20 World Cup and Ireland in a recent bilateral series. Babar addressed this issue at the post-match press conference, stating that his team always puts in their best efforts and prepares well for every tournament. However, when they face a team like USA, they tend to relax and take things for granted, which ultimately leads to their downfall.
The captain also expressed his disappointment with his team's performance, as they were simply outplayed by the debutants. Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position at 26/3, but Babar and Shadab Khan managed to turn things around with a 63-run partnership in the next six overs. Just when it seemed like they had regained momentum, USA's Nosthush Kenjige struck twice in the 13th over, getting rid of Shadab and Azam Khan in consecutive deliveries. Babar himself fell a couple of overs later, and the team's momentum was shattered once again.
Reflecting on their batting, Babar emphasized the need for improvement in the middle and towards the end of the innings. He acknowledged that their performance with the ball was also below par, which was surprising considering that bowling is usually considered their strong suit. Spinners Shadab and Iftikhar Ahmed were unable to make an impact, conceding 37 runs in just four overs. Babar believed that their inability to take wickets in the first six overs and the lack of pressure created by their spinners in the middle overs contributed to their defeat.
Despite the disappointment, Babar gave credit to the US team for their impressive performance, particularly in the Super Over. Pakistan will now have to regroup and face their arch-rivals India next Sunday, and Babar will be looking for a much-needed win to get his team back on track. The defeat against USA will serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan, reminding them to never underestimate their opponents and to always give their best on the field.
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