In the intense India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 Group A showdown, the bowling prowess of both teams took center stage. Despite India setting a modest target of 119 runs, Pakistan’s valiant effort, led by Naseem Shah’s spirited batting towards the end, couldn’t quite bridge the gap, falling short by a mere 6 runs.
Naseem Shah’s unbeaten 10 runs off 4 balls, though commendable, couldn’t steer Pakistan to victory. Overwhelmed by the defeat and the implications it carried for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup journey, Naseem was visibly distraught, shedding tears as his teammate Shaheen Afridi attempted to comfort him.
Naseem Shah is in tears after losing to India. It’s not his fault because he gave 100%. I must say, shame on Mohsin Naqvi.
#PakvsInd pic.twitter.com/Hp2pjaYCUb— Hina Zainab (@hina98_hina) June 9, 2024
Even Naseem Shah, our young bowler, played better than our highly paid batsmen. The time has come, if you’re not performing well, please resign gracefully and let others join. It’s time to take strict decisions, or they’ll never understand. #PakvsIndpic.twitter.com/kkV9LZntFX
— Saad Kaiser 🇵🇰 (@TheSaadKaiser) June 9, 2024
In a heartening display of sportsmanship, a photo circulated on social media capturing India’s captain Rohit Sharma consoling Naseem Shah, offering support during his moment of disappointment.
Rohit Sharma appreciating the efforts of Naseem Shah after the match. He asked him to not cry. What a moment ❤️❤️❤️#T20WorldCup #PAKvsIND #INDvsPAK #tapmad #HojaoADFree pic.twitter.com/YNnLEbra8h
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 9, 2024
“We bowled well. In the batting, lost back to back wickets and had too much dot balls. Tactics was simple to play normally. Just strike rotation and the odd boundary. But in that period we had too many dot balls. Can’t expect much from tailenders. Our mind was to utilise first six overs in batting. But one wicket down, and again we weren’t up to the mark in first six. Pitch looked decent. Ball was coming on nicely. It was a little bit slow, and some balls extra bounce. Have to win last two matches. Will sit and discuss our mistakes but looking forward to last two matches,”‘
Babar said after the match.
With Pakistan’s Super 8 qualification now hanging in the balance, they must rely on other match results to favor them in their quest to progress.
