Shoaib Akhtar criticizes Pakistan's performance in T20 World Cup clash against India

Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar has expressed disappointment after Pakistan's narrow defeat to India in their T20 World Cup 2024 encounter on Sunday at the Nassau County International Stadium. 

In his latest YouTube video, Akhtar criticized Babar Azam's team's performance and intent, asserting that the game was within their grasp if only the players had "applied their brains."

“Very disappointing. It was a run-a-ball chance for Pakistan. Earlier, India’s middle order messed it up. They were 80-odd in 11 overs and could have achieved around 160 but couldn’t. But for Pakistan, it was a close chance. Rizwan could have scored another 20 runs and won the game for the team. Sadly, we didn’t apply our brains,” Akhtar said.

He further lamented the Pakistani side's lack of strategic execution. 

"A lot of things are questionable, their intent, the application… it’s really sad for the team. Pakistan should have won this game. They were pretty much in the game, requiring 46 runs in 47 balls when Fakhar was there. We had 7 wickets in hand but we couldn’t do it. I’m speechless and hurt, that’s about it," he said.

India edged out Pakistan by six runs in their second match of the ongoing mega-event tournament. Despite a promising start, Pakistan couldn't convert their initial advantage into a victory, falling short in a close finish.

On the other hand, Pakistan will aim for its first points when they face Canada on Tuesday in New York. Group A’s next match is set for Tuesday, June 11, between Pakistan and Canada in New York.