The Pakistan cricket team, led by Babar Azam, has struggled in the T20 World Cup 2024. Their journey so far includes a 6-run loss to India, following an unexpected defeat by the United States. Despite strong performances from Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who took three wickets each to restrict India to 119 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed against India’s bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah.
With no points from their first two matches, Pakistan‘s chances of advancing to the Super 8 are slim. To stay in contention, they must win their upcoming matches against Canada and Ireland. They also need other results to go their way, specifically losses for the United States and Canada. Even if Pakistan wins both matches, qualification will likely depend on their Net Run Rate (NRR).
The recent six-run loss to India in New York has significantly damaged Pakistan’s World Cup hopes. Their failure to chase a modest target of 120 runs, set by an underperforming Indian team, highlights their struggles. This second consecutive loss makes the path to the Super 8 extremely difficult, as their fate is now partially out of their hands.
To qualify, Pakistan must adopt a do-or-die mentality. They need to win their remaining matches convincingly to boost their points tally and improve their NRR, a crucial factor in tournament tiebreakers. Like England, Pakistan must also hope for the USA to falter.
For Pakistan to have a clear path to the Super 8, India must win their remaining games, and Ireland must defeat the USA. If this happens, Pakistan and the USA will both have four points, and the NRR will be the deciding factor. Pakistan’s journey to the Super 8 is challenging but not impossible, echoing their comeback after a similar situation in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Jasprit Bumrah Reflects on Match-Winning Performance Against Pakistan
Jasprit Bumrah, who excelled in the match against Pakistan, was recognized as the player of the match. Bumrah said, “It feels really good. We felt we were a little under and the wicket got a little better after the sun came out. We were really disciplined so it feels good.”
“Tried to hit the seam as much as I could, tried to be as clear as I could with my execution and it all came out well so I felt happy. Felt like we were playing in India, really happy with the support and that gives us energy on the field. We focus on the now. We’ve played two games and played really well. You stick to your processes and look to play well,” Bumrah added.
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