T20 World Cup 2024, PAK vs USA: Babar Azam slams bowlers after shocking defeat against USA

Pakistan captain Babar Azam believed that their score of 159 for seven was defendable against the co-hosts USA. However, he said that the shock loss at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday was due to their bowling unit for not performing at their best. Playing their second match in the T20 World Cup after beating Canada in their opener, the USA matched Pakistan's score in the final over and then scored 18 runs in the Super Over without hitting a single six.

Mohammed Amir, who struggled against left-handed batter Harmeet, bowled three wides and gave away seven extras in that over. In reply, Pakistan could only manage 13 runs for the loss of one wicket, leaving their T20 World Cup campaign hanging in the balance.

In the post-match presentation, Babar remarked that the Dallas pitch favored the bowlers in the first six overs.

“The early-morning wicket helped bowlers in the powerplay. However, as the day progressed, the pitch seemed to settle and the conditions were not different. The early start time of 10:30 AM naturally gives the fast bowlers an advantage, as there is more moisture and ‘juice’ in the pitch during the cooler morning hours. USA bowlers capitalized on these favorable conditions and executed their game plan effectively.” Crictoday quoted Babar Azam as saying during the press conference.

“Despite some help in the second innings, our bowling was subpar, particularly in the first 10 overs. While we managed to recover later on, the opposition had already seized the momentum by that point. Given the quality of our bowling attack, we should have been able to defend that total on this pitch,” Azam added.

He further said, 'Our bowling was below average. We didn't get any wickets in the first six overs. When spinners aren't taking wickets in the middle overs, it puts a lot of pressure on the team. Even we managed to make a comeback after ten overs, the US team did well to finish strong in the Super Over.'

'The ball was slowing down and moving in the first six overs. Shadab and I built a good partnership to gain momentum. But then we lost wickets quickly, which changed the game as the momentum shifted. The middle order needs to step up in such games. This isn't an excuse – USA didn't play exceptionally well, we just played poorly,' he added.

Pakistan will next face India on Sunday in New York in a must-win game as USA currently stand top of Group A points table with two wins in two matches.