By Anees-ur-Rehman
In one of the biggest upsets in cricket history, the United States, an associate member of ICC, inflicted a humiliating defeat on former world champions Pakistan in the group stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup being hosted by the USA and the West Indies.
Pakistan cricket reached a new low as they were defeated by an associate team making its debut in this world cup. The match highlighted numerous flaws in Pakistan’s preparations for the mega tournament, leading to a historic defeat in a Super Over.
The unprepared Pakistan team misjudged USA’s strength as well as their intentions, and paid a heavy price.
This defeat may eliminate Pakistan from the tournament in the first round as they face India in their next encounter on June 6. If India beat Pakistan, the Green Shirts’ chances of advancing to the next stage will be very slim.
The USA win exposed Pakistan's weaknesses in all the three departments - batting, bowling and fielding. Their failure to adapt to conditions, capitalise on the powerplay, build partnerships, and perform under pressure led to an embarrassing defeat.
Failure to capitalise on powerplay
Pakistan's failure to assess and adapt to the conditions was evident from the outset as they lost three early wickets for just 26 runs. They struggled to post a challenging total as Babar Azam admitted to failing to utilise the powerplay.
His performance of scoring just 4 runs off 14 balls in the first six overs set a negative tone for the innings. Pakistan scored 30-3 in the powerplay.
47 dot balls
The USA bowled 47 dot balls in the match, equivalent to almost 8 overs out of the total 20 overs, exposing Pakistan’s batting plans and execution. Pakistan hit only four boundaries in the first 10 overs of the innings.
Lack of partnership
Another factor in Pakistan's poor performance was the absence of major partnerships. This left them unable to post a daunting total against an associate team. Only noteworthy partnership was built by Babar Azam and Shadab Khan (72 runs) for the fourth wicket.
Batting woes
Azam Khan's failure and Usman Khan’s irresponsible shot further added to the batting woes. While Mohammad Rizwan fell to a good delivery, the rest of the players seemed to throw their wickets away as if playing in an exhibition match.
Bowling disappointments
The bowling unit, traditionally Pakistan's strength, also faltered when it mattered the most. They failed to exert any real pressure on the debutant team, allowing them to score runs at will.
The bowlers did not bowl according to the field settings, taking only one wicket in the powerplay. This lack of discipline continued throughout the innings.
Both Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, returning from injuries, were not at their best. Haris Rauf’s inability to defend 15 runs in the last over, allowing 14 runs and taking the match to a Super Over, was really disappointing.
Tactical blunders and poor execution
Several tactical errors cost Pakistan dear in the match. When five runs were required off the last ball of the main innings, neither the captain nor the bowler took the initiative to set a defensive field, such as positioning a fielder on the boundary at long-off. This allowed the batting team to score the crucial boundary that tied the match, leading to a Super Over.
Shaheen should have bowled Super Over
The decision not to deploy Shaheen Afridi for the Super Over also raised eyebrows. Instead, Mohammad Amir, a member of the 2009 champion team, was given the responsibility.
Amir, succumbing to the pressure, conceded 18 runs, including three wides, in the Super Over.
Fakhar should have faced left-arm bowler
Chasing 19 runs in the Super Over, Pakistan made another tactical error by not sending Fakhar Zaman to face the left-arm medium-pace bowler Saurabh Netravalkar. As a result, Fakhar did not face a single delivery and could only watch the defeat from the non-striker’s end.