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Tag: T20 World Cup updates

  • Will Babar Azam be dropped from Pakistan’s captaincy? Here’s what he said about his future | Cricket News

    Pakistan wrapped up their 2024 ICC T20 World Cup journey with a close three-wicket win over Ireland in their final Group A match in Florida on Sunday. Captain Babar Azam and his team are facing intense criticism after an unexpected early exit from the tournament, with concerns being raised about Babar Azam’s captaincy. He was reinstated as skipper before the tournament after relinquishing the captaincy following a poor ODI World Cup campaign last year.

    Babar Azam’s On His Future Captaincy

    In a post-match press conference after the game against Ireland, Babar addressed the captaincy issue. He stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would review the campaign at home and decide on the team’s future leadership. He emphasized that his reinstatement as captain was a decision made solely by the PCB and noted that one player cannot be blamed for the loss, as it is always a collective failure.

    “As far as captaincy is concerned, when I first stole, I felt I should not do it anymore, so I stole. I had announced it myself. Whatever has been given back, that is PCB’s decision, they have given it. Now we will go, we will sit and discuss whatever has happened here and this decision will be taken later… when I have to steal, I will tell it openly, whatever happens will happen in front of everyone. I have not thought about it yet. Whatever decision is taken, PCB will take it,” Babar said.

    Babar expressed his disappointment about the team’s early exit, acknowledging the collective failure rather than blaming individuals. He noted the team’s struggle to synchronize performances; when the bowlers excelled, the batting line-up faltered.

    “We are more sad than you are. Players, management, everyone is sad. We could not play cricket as expected. We could not perform as well as the players we had. So in my opinion , we did not play well as a team. It is not that we lost because of one person. As a team we lost. As a team we could not click. Sometimes we did well in bowling, sometimes we did not do well in batting ,” Babar added. While discussing the conditions, Babar admitted that the pitches slightly favoured fast bowlers, but the primary issue was their batting failures in critical moments. He pointed out that losing wickets back-to-back put them in a difficult position in crucial matches. “The pitches here were helping the fast bowlers a bit. Our batting didn’t click. When things came in our hands, we lost wickets, due to which they lost two crucial matches. We We were going ahead, the pressure was on the other team but when you lose back-to-back wickets, the pressure comes on you,” Babar said.

    He admitted that while the pitches slightly favoured fast bowlers, the main issue was their batting failures in crucial moments. Losing wickets in quick succession put them in difficult positions during key matches.

    Pakistan’s Shocking Exit

    The rainout match of USA vs IRE was a disaster for Pakistan. USA gained a point automatically, securing their spot in the Super 8s with five points. Pakistan stayed at four points, ending their chances of moving forward. Throughout the tournament, Pakistan’s journey has been up and down. They showed flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of disappointment. Despite playing well in earlier matches, the washout was a harsh way to end their campaign. Pakistani players and fans will surely feel disappointed about what could have been if the weather had not disrupted their chances.


  • Pakistan’s Shocking T20 WC Exit: ‘Can’t Get Lower Than This,’ Says Imad Wasim After Pak’s Early Exit From ICC T20 World Cup 2024 | Cricket News

    Pakistan faced a devastating blow in the 2024 T20 World Cup as they were officially eliminated from contention just a day after their hopes were dashed. All-rounder Imad Wasim expressed deep disappointment, describing it as the lowest point in his career. The team’s downfall began with a shocking defeat to USA followed by a heartbreaking loss against arch-rivals India. Although they managed a victory against Canada, Pakistan’s fate was no longer in their hands. They needed USA to lose both their remaining matches while also securing a win against Ireland themselves. Despite USA’s loss to India, a match with Ireland ended in a washout, ultimately allowing the co-hosts to advance instead of Pakistan.

    Imad Wasim: This is the lowest point of Pakistani cricket

    Imad Wasim, while acknowledging the team’s elimination, emphasized their commitment to finish the tournament strong, particularly in their upcoming match against Ireland. “Yes, this is the lowest point. You can’t go any lower than this. That’s the fact,” Imad lamented. He stressed the importance of playing with pride and dedication, despite the game being inconsequential in terms of tournament progress.

    PAK vs IND T20 WC 2024: Imad Wasim on the turning point of India-Pakistan match

    “That 17th over, I think, I feel that the move of the runs in that over was a turning point. It’s unfortunate that it happens, it’s an incident but it was a big game. Our team and I are more disappointed than you are. I let [the team] down because usually when I go in this situation, I am very calm and finish the job. And this was my job to finish which I couldn’t do. I will regret this and I still regret it. But this is life. Sometimes you make mistakes. But life is like that, sometimes you make mistakes. So, you can say that this was a phase in my life which I unfortunately could not achieve. I will regret it, but my execution was not good’ says Imad.

    Pakistan Cricket’s future

    Looking ahead, Imad encouraged Pakistan to adopt a fearless approach to cricket, echoing the need to compete on par with the top teams in the world. When questioned about potential changes to the team setup, he opted not to comment directly but hoped for improvements that would benefit Pakistan cricket in the future.

    The tournament, which saw Imad return from retirement with high hopes, ended in bitter disappointment for him and the team, failing to achieve their goals against familiar rivals and falling short of expectations set for them.

    Pakistan’s Shocking Exit

    The rainout match of USA vs IRE was a disaster for Pakistan. USA gained a point automatically, securing their spot in the Super 8s with five points. Pakistan stayed at four points, ending their chances of moving forward. Throughout the tournament, Pakistan’s journey has been up and down. They showed flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of disappointment. Despite playing well in earlier matches, the washout was a harsh way to end their campaign. Pakistani players and fans will surely feel disappointed about what could have been if the weather had not disrupted their chances.

  • How did Pakistan get knocked out of T20 World Cup 2024 even before the game against Ireland? , Cricket News

    The cricketing world witnessed a dramatic turn of events as rain played a pivotal role in determining the fate of the teams vying for a spot in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. In a match marked by anticipation and anxiety, the USA’s The clash against Ireland ended in a washout, leading to the USA advancing and Pakistan being knocked out. The encounter at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium was highly anticipated, not just by the USA and Ireland fans but also by Pakistani supporters. Pakistan’s chances of making it to the Super 8 depended entirely on the outcome of this match. However, Mother Nature had other plans, with persistent showers leading to an abandonment without a single ball bowled.

    According to The Weather Channel, the forecast for Broward County indicated ‘few showers’ in the morning, escalating to thunderstorms as the day progressed. Despite the groundsmen’s best efforts to prepare the field, the increasing precipitation made play impossible. The umpires had no choice but to call off the match, much to the disappointment of the fans.

    Also Read: England’s Qualification Scenario: How Can Jos Buttler’s Team Qualify For Super 8 Of T20 World Cup 2024 After Big Win Vs Oman?

    Pakistan’s Heartbreaking Exit

    For Pakistan, the washout spelled disaster. With the USA gaining an automatic point from the abandoned match, they secured their place in the Super 8s with five points. Pakistan, on the other hand, remained at four points, their hopes of progress dashed.

    The team’s journey in the tournament has been a rollercoaster, filled with moments of brilliance and despair. Despite spirited performances in their previous games, the washout was a cruel end to their campaign. The Pakistani players and their fans will undoubtedly feel the sting of what could have been had the weather not intervened.

    USA’s Triumphant Entry

    The USA cricket team, relatively new to the high-pressure environment of World Cup cricket, has shown remarkable resilience throughout the tournament. Their advancement to the Super 8s marks a significant milestone for cricket in the country, reflecting the growing talent and passion for the sport.

    Key players like Steven Taylor and Ali Khan have been instrumental in the USA’s success, showcasing their skills and leading the team from the front. The team’s ability to handle pressure and deliver in crucial moments has earned them a deserved place among the world’s top T20 teams.

  • Virat Kohli on Babar Azam’s mind as Pakistan captain recalls MCG clash ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 | Cricket News

    The stage is set. The buzz is palpable. As cricketing titans India and Pakistan gear up for their much-anticipated clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on July 9, the atmosphere is electric. With both teams placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024, the stakes are higher than ever. This rivalry, steeped in history and passion, is more than just a game—it’s a battle of pride and prestige.

    ICC rates Virat Kohli’s 18.5 as “SHOT OF THE CENTURY” __ pic.twitter.com/gB9AP3cZBW

    — Keval 18 (@kevalVK18) November 7, 2023

    Also Read: French Open 2024: Meet Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa – In pics

    The MCG Clash: A Haunting Memory

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam recently opened up about the indelible mark left by their last encounter with India at the 2022 T20 World Cup. It was a match that showcased Virat Kohli’s brilliance, as he played an unforgettable innings that snatched victory from Pakistan’s grasp. In a nail-biting finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53 balls orchestrated a dramatic four-wicket win for India.

    Babar reminisced about that fateful match, admitting that Pakistan should have clinched the victory. “For me, in 2022 [World Cup]we could and should have won the India game, but they took it away,” he said. Kohli’s extraordinary six off Haris Rauf became the stuff of legends, and commentator Gerard Whateley’s phrase “shot of an emperor” aptly captured the moment’s grandeur.

    Handling Pressure: Barbar’s Approach

    As the Pakistan team prepares for their World Cup opener, Babar emphasizes the significance of managing the immense pressure that comes with an India-Pakistan clash. “The expectations and hype around the match cause some nervousness,” he noted on the PCB podcast. However, Babar believes that focusing on the basics and maintaining composure can help players navigate the pressure cooker atmosphere.

    “It’s a game of immense pressure, and if you keep your cool, stay calm, and trust your hard work and skills, things will be easier,” he advised. This approach will be crucial as Pakistan aims to improve on their recent form, having failed to make it past the group stages in the last World Cup.

    India’s unpredictability and Pakistan’s consistency

    Both India and Pakistan have experienced fluctuating fortunes in recent T20 World Cup editions. India, despite their immense talent, has often faltered at critical junctures since their inaugural T20 World Cup win under MS Dhoni. The current squad, under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, seeks redemption and aims to draw inspiration from their past successes in the 50-over format.

    On the other hand, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup record is a study in contrasts. Known for their unpredictability, Pakistan has reached the semi-finals or better in six of the eight editions, marking them as one of the most consistent teams in the tournament’s history. Despite internal strife and volatile performances, Pakistan remains a formidable force on paper.

    Virat Kohli: The Game Changer

    For Babar, the specter of Virat Kohli looms large. Kohli’s performance in their last World Cup encounter was a masterclass in handling pressure and executing under duress. His ability to anchor the innings and finish with a flourish is something that Pakistan will be wary of. Kohli’s presence adds an extra layer of challenge for Pakistan, who must strategize meticulously to contain his impact.

    The Road Ahead

    As the T20 World Cup 2024 unfolds in the West Indies and the USA, all eyes will be on the July 9 showdown. For fans and players alike, an India-Pakistan match is a spectacle that transcends cricket. It’s a contest that brings out the best and worst, showcasing raw emotion and unyielding determination.

    Both teams have much to prove. For India, it’s about reclaiming their status as T20 giants, while Pakistan seeks to shed the ‘unpredictable’ tag and affirm their consistency. As Babar Azam and his men take to the field, they will carry the lessons of the past, the weight of expectations, and the hopes of a nation eager for victory.