"Don't see Pakistan as a great white-ball team" - Michael Vaughan's blunt verdict on Babar Azam and Co
Published - 15 Jun 2024, 01:06 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:13 AM
Former England captain Michael Vaughan shared his thoughts on the Babar Azam-led team's group-stage elimination from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Michael Vaughan stated that Pakistan cannot blame the weather for their exit, adding that they missed chances to beat the United States of America and India.
Pakistan began their World Cup campaign with a loss against the United States of America in Dallas on June 6. The Men in Green failed to defend 159 runs in their first match of the tournament. The match went to a Super Over, where the home team recorded a five-run victory over the former World Cup champions.
The Pakistan team failed to chase down a target of 120 against arch-rivals India in New York on Sunday, June 9. The Men in Green seemed to be in a position to comfortably chase down the target. However, the Indian bowlers bounced back in the latter stages, and the Pakistan team fell short by six runs in the chase.
The Babar Azam-led team registered their first victory in the World Cup against Canada. Their fate depended on the match between the United States of America and Ireland in Florida on Friday, June 14. However, the match was washed out without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield, and the teams shared one point each.
They Can't Blame The Weather - Michael Vaughan
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Michael Vaughan pointed out Pakistan's missed opportunities against the United States and India. Vaughan stated that victories in those matches would have secured their berth in the Super 8s. He credited the United States for holding their nerve and securing victory over Pakistan.
"They can't blame the weather. They should've beaten the United States and India. If they had won those two games, they would have advanced to the Super Eights. This is what Pakistan typically does at World Cups, which arrive and beat good teams. I didn't expect them to come close to India. They should have won that match," Vaughan said.
"In their game against the United States, they were poor. They were really poor down the back end defending. The four off the last ball, Super Over, was carnage. The ball was going over there, running two and three, and it was typical of Pakistan. They just panicked, and great credit to the United States. They held the nerve, played some good shots, and got over the line," he added.
Don't See Pakistan As A Great White-Ball Team - Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan stated that Pakistan is currently not a great white-ball team. The cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned that he did not consider Pakistan a top-tier team despite reaching the final in the last edition of the T20 World Cup in Australia.
"I don't see Pakistan at the minute as a great white-ball team. Even in the last World Cup, when they won or reached the final, I didn't think they were a great side. Even when they won it or got to the final of the last World Cup, I didn't think they were a great side. They just did what Pakistan does. They should have won that game," Vaughan concluded.
Pakistan will take on Ireland in a dead rubber at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, on Sunday, June 16.
