The stage was set completely for Pakistan. The nation was internet hosting its first ICC event for the reason that 1996 World Cup and was the defending champion. Yet, six days into the occasion, Mohammad Rizwan’s males’s marketing campaign got here to a shuddering halt.
While accidents to Saim Ayub (within the lead-up) and Fakhar Zaman (within the first match) weakened the line-up, these weren’t the one causes for the early exit.
The losses to New Zealand and India had a predictable sample because the batters’ timid approach proved expensive. Chasing 321 in opposition to the Kiwis, the house aspect crawled to 22 for 2 within the PowerPlay and will by no means get well.
Despite a higher begin in opposition to the Men in Blue, the crew obtained slowed down within the center. Trying to speed up, Pakistan misplaced wickets in clusters and completed with a modest complete. The Men in Green’s dot-ball proportion was greater than 50 (162 and 152 dot balls, respectively), they usually couldn’t compensate with boundaries.
The squad lacks batting depth, and barring gamers like Salman Ali Agha and Fakhar, the others don’t have the flexibility to go massive. The choice calls, too, defied logic. The resolution to draft in Imam-ul-Haq, not a part of the unique contingent, as an alternative of Usman Khan for the India match mirrored the muddled considering. The latter, who’s within the 15, is but to make his ODI debut.
The chatter forward of the must-win recreation in opposition to its neighbour veered round how the crew had all the time conjured up one thing particular in a do-or-die state of affairs, the halcyon days of the Nineteen Nineties a glowing instance. The comparability is tenuous, contemplating the depth of the present squad and likewise projected the mindset of a nation caught in a time warp.
Over the final decade, England has refashioned the best way ODI cricket is performed; the others, together with India, have learnt from and tailored it to their type. Unfortunately, Pakistan has failed to change or progress with time, a worry of failure gripping the gamers. Even Rizwan acknowledged that his males lacked braveness.
More worryingly, the outfit has additionally been left behind in areas like health and fielding. This was evident throughout Pakistan’s apply session two days earlier than the high-profile contest. The session lacked the depth one usually witnesses when giants resembling India, England, and Australia put together. Dropping catches throughout coaching will not be a massive deal, however lacking easy possibilities means bother.
On Sunday, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer had been beneficiaries of clumsy fielding efforts as they had been put down early of their innings and made the ‘host’ pay.
Since its 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, Pakistan has not certified for the knockout levels of a main ODI competitors (2019, 2023 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy). Only a full overhaul of the system and a bold new approach can redeem the previous world champion.
Published – February 26, 2025 08:42 am IST
