The USA has advanced to the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup after their game against Ireland was cancelled due to rain. This left Pakistan‘s fate, as it often does, hanging by a thread of hope and numerous conditions: Team A beating Team B, assistance from Team C, and maintaining a favourable Net Run Rate.
These scenarios have become a common occurrence for Pakistan in recent years, often relying on a mix of luck and favorable outcomes. The unpredictability of Pakistan’s fortunes has almost turned into a routine expectation, stripping it of any novelty or excitement.
During the last group game, Pakistan found themselves once again on the brink, hoping for a change in the weather and for Ireland to defeat the USA, keeping their World Cup dreams alive. However, the persistent rain in Florida resulted in a wet outfield and no play, leading to Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament without advancing past the group stage.
Here is how everyone reacted:
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This longing for miraculous outcomes is reminiscent of the 1992 World Cup, where a rain-affected match earned Pakistan a crucial point, eventually helping them reach the semifinals and claim the championship under Imran Khan’s leadership. The dramatic comeback of the “cornered tigers” in that tournament has set a high expectation for similar rescues in subsequent tournaments.
Many former Pakistan Cricket players opined their thoughts after the early elimination of Pakistan, Shoaib Malik said: “We can’t come out of liking, disliking; it’s our culture. It’s developed over the years. But please the players with merit who don’t have someone to speak for them, they don’t get chances. I feel miserable about it. You should at least have game awareness.”
Misba-Ul-Haq said: “There is tension regarding the middle order and lower middle order. In the last three World Cups, there is a question mark over who will play at 4, 5, or 6? Every player plays at the top, opener or No.3. There is no player for 4,5, and 6.”
He added: “Only the best players come like Azam and Iftikhar, but they are also unable to perform up to mark. Whoever in the system should take the blame. Why are players not coming from the bottom level? You need them but there is no work in that regard,”
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