Key points
- Team criticised for outdated T20 approach
- Captaincy decisions questioned after defeats
- Batting struggles and slow strike rates
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s limitations in the shortest format were fully exposed as their underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign came to an end on Saturday, with the team missing out on a place in the semi-finals.
From captain Salman Agha — criticised for lacking T20 credentials — to sluggish strike rates and reliance on all-rounders who struggled to deliver, the Green Shirts appeared outpaced by modern demands of the format.
Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal said the gap between Pakistan and leading sides such as India, West Indies, South Africa and England was stark.
“Other teams have evolved to the demands of Twenty20 cricket, but neither our team nor our players meet those standards,” Akmal told reporters.
“It is like other teams are playing on the moon and we are on Earth. We only beat smaller teams but lose to top teams.”
Pakistan entered the tournament on the back of a 3-0 series sweep over Australia and carried expectations of a strong showing. Armed with five specialist spinners, they were considered well-suited to Sri Lanka’s turning surfaces.
However, their campaign began shakily with a narrow three-wicket win over the Netherlands, secured only in the final over through Faheem Ashraf’s rapid 29 off 11 balls.
‘Failed to handle pressure’
As in previous World Cups, Agha came under scrutiny in the high-pressure clash against India. After winning the toss and opting to field, Pakistan conceded 175 and suffered a 61-run defeat.
Agha delayed introducing mystery spinner Usman Tariq until the 11th over, by which point Ishan Kishan had already compiled a decisive 77.
“How on earth did you bowl at a venue which was suited to batting first,” questioned former Pakistan player Basit Ali.
“After India scored 175 our batters failed to handle the pressure of a chase.”
Similar tactical decisions drew criticism in the loss to England, where Tariq’s second over was delayed, allowing Harry Brook to construct a match-winning century.
“It was weak captaincy from Agha,” said Akmal, also criticising head coach Mike Hesson and the selectors.
Mike Hesson
“We were also not helped by head coach Mike Hesson, who has an obsession for bit-and-pieces all-rounders who were neither complete bowlers, nor good batters.”
Babar Azam’s prolonged lean patch further unsettled the batting line-up, with his cautious approach at number four disrupting momentum. Though dropped for the final game against Sri Lanka — where Pakistan finally crossed 200 — it proved insufficient as New Zealand advanced on net run rate.
“We are all fans of Azam but he disappointed us by not adapting to the demands of T20 cricket,” said supporter Saud Baloch.
“The whole Pakistan fandom is not only disappointed but angry.
“But we know nothing will change and we will continue to mourn such defeats in future.”
