"I let the team down" - 'Hurt' Imad Wasim takes entire blame for Pakistan's loss to India

Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim has admitted that he let his team down during the game against India in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

The veteran allrounder had missed Pakistan's first game of the competition against the USA due to a rib injury. In his absence, Pakistan had suffered a shock loss against the co-hosts. Imad Wasim was given the green light to play against India and he returned to the playing eleven straightaway.

He did well with the ball as Pakistan restricted India to a modest total of 119 runs. Imad Wasim could not take any wickets but bowled an economical spell, conceding only 17 runs in his three overs. Pakistan were the favorites to win the game after restricting India to less than 120 runs and they were in a good position during the chase too.

At the end of the 12th over, they were 72 for 2 and needed 48 runs in as many balls with eight wickets in hand. However, they suffered a collapse and found themselves reeling at 88 for 5 and eventually ended their innings on 113 runs to lose the game by six runs.

After the loss, Imad Wasim faced criticism from all around for not showing any intent with the bat. The allrounder managed to score only 15 runs off 23 balls and lost his wicket in the final over when his team needed 18 runs.

Imad Wasim on loss against India:

Speaking ahead of Pakistan's last group game of the ongoing T20 World Cup, Imad Wasim stated that his team wanted to take the chase deep as the pitch was not easy to bat on. He further admitted that he let the team down by not taking them over the finishing line and also said that he was very hurt by the failure.

"Our game plan (against India) was to take the chase deep. The wicket was tough to bat on. I let the team down because usually when I go in these situations, I stay very calm and finish the job," said Imad Wasim.

"Finishing this chase was my job which I couldn't do, and I am very hurt by that. But this is life, sometimes you make mistakes. I believe my planning was right but the execution wasn't good," he added.

Pakistan have been knocked out of the T20 World Cup and will be looking to end their campaign with a win over Ireland in their last group game. The game is scheduled to be played on Sunday (June 16) in Lauderhill.