The former all-rounder criticized Pakistan’s batting performance on his YouTube channel after they were unable to reach a pitiful target of 120 runs.
On a field when India was 35–40 runs short [in the first innings], we [Pakistan] only needed to score 120 runs [to win], but we were unable to do so due to their bowlers’ disciplined bowling. Afridi stated, “It was a 120-run game on 120 balls.
We have a mindset that says we just don’t want to score runs, therefore we always blame the bowlers for not keeping teams to modest totals.
“Despite having such a potent batting lineup, we were unable to reach such a total. I am at a loss for words. My only emotion is disappointment.
Pakistan, tasked with chasing 120 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, could only muster 113 runs in the 20 overs given, losing seven wickets.
Pakistan began the chase cautiously, with their esteemed opening duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam adding 26 runs to the total before the former went to Jasprit Bumrah in the fifth over, having scored 13.
After that, Rizwan and Usman Khan formed a crucial combination that saw them add 31 runs to Pakistan’s tally, bringing their total to 57 at the interval.
Following Usman’s out, Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman shared 26 runs for the third wicket, forming yet another significant partnership for Pakistan.
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Imad followed on the next delivery, strolling back after a scratchy fifteen off 23 deliveries, while Iftikhar fell on the final delivery of the penultimate over after scoring a nine-ball five.
With his 10-run cameo, Naseem Shah attempted to pull off the impossible for Pakistan, but Arshdeep Singh remained composed under extreme pressure to lead India to a hard-fought triumph.
Pakistan had already lost to co-hosts United States of America (USA) in the Super Over, making this their second defeat of the event.