Hafeez slams Pakistan's super over strategy with Amir against USA

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has criticized the Pakistan cricket team’s performance in their T20 World Cup match against the USA on Thursday, June 6. 

In an exclusive interview with a local media channel, Hafeez particularly questioned the team’s body language and composure during both the 20-over game and the subsequent Super Over, suggesting that the USA effectively beat Pakistan twice in one day.

Hafeez was especially critical of the decision to have Mohammad Amir bowl the Super Over, in which he conceded 18 runs, a margin that proved insurmountable for Pakistan. 

"Who was the best bowler? For me, it would be Naseem Shah and then Shaheen Shah Afridi. Amir was away from Pakistan cricket for four years. Don't try to compare international T20 leagues to international cricket. You didn't trust your main player and trusted someone who is making a comeback after four years," Hafeez said.

The former captain questioned the team’s inability to keep their nerves in check during crucial moments. 

"How did Pakistan lose not one, but two matches in a day. First we lost the 20-over game and then the super over. We understand you were nervous. It was a nervous batting innings, it was nervous bowling and fielding. I understand it in the 20-over game. But you couldn't control your nerves in a Super Over?" he concluded.

After back-to-back wins against Canada and Pakistan, the co-hosts are now in a strong position to qualify for the Super 8 round of the ongoing mega-event tournament. 

The Men in Green will play their next match against arch-rivals India on June 9 at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York.