Published 08:07 IST, June 7th 2024

'Pakistan never deserved to win': Shoaib Akhtar voices frustration over PAK's loss to USA in T20 WC

Shoaib Akhtar expresses disappointment after Pakistan's defeat to the USA in the T20 World Cup, stating that Pakistan did not deserve to win.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
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Shoaib Akhtar and Babar Azam | Image: AP, X/screengrab
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In a thrilling encounter at the ICC T20 World Cup, Pakistan set a target of 159/7 against the United States. The USA responded strongly, reaching 159/3 in 18 overs but ended up in a tie with Pakistan after a gripping game. The match proceeded to a Super Over where the USA emerged victorious by 5 runs, with Monank Patel shining as the Player of the Match for his impressive 50 off 38 balls. Both teams displayed excellent cricket skills in this intense Group stage match, thrilling the audience at the Grand Prairie Stadium.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Spirited USA upset former champions Pakistan

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Shoaib Akhtar shares his disappointment with Pakistan after their poor start to the ICC T20 World Cup

On Thursday, June 6, at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Pakistan lost a Super Over match to the United States. Shoaib Akhtar expressed his dissatisfaction. Known by his nickname, the Rawalpindi Express, the former fast bowler said that Pakistan did not deserve to win and commended the US squad for their outstanding performance.

Nosthush Kenjige took 3/30 and Saurabh Netravalkar added 2/18 as the United States, who had won the toss, bowled first and effectively restricted Pakistan to 159/7. Lead by captain Monank Patel's 50 from 38 balls, the USA equalled the score in their chase, reaching 159/3. Andries Gous' 35 off 26 and Aaron Jones' 36* off 26 made major contributions that helped send the game into the Super Over.

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In a 33-second video posted on his official X feed, Akhtar responded to Pakistan's shocking loss by offering his observations on the unexpected result. Shoaib Akhtar said:

"Disappointing loss for Pakistan. We are not off to a good start, losing to USA. We repeated history, like we did against Bangladesh in the 1999 World Cup. Unfortunately, Pakistan never deserved to win. The reason is that USA played very well and were in a commanding position."[Mohammad] Amir saved the match. He and Shaheen [Shah Afridi] tried. They [US] won 37 overs of the contest, if we look at the overall picture. Unfortunately, we couldn't pull it off,"

With two straight victories, the USA surged to the top of Group A in the points standings while Pakistan suffered an unexpected loss. They had defeated Canada in Dallas by seven wickets before to their triumph over Pakistan. he stage is set for an electrifying clash as Pakistan gears up to face India on June 9, 2024, in the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in New York. The anticipation doesn't end there, as the USA cricket team will square off against India on June 12, 2024, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting these thrilling matchups.

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08:07 IST, June 7th 2024