IND vs PAK: "Looked clueless..." - Misbah-ul-Haq slams Babar Azam following a humiliating loss to USA

Former Pakistan cricketer Misbah-ul-Haq criticized skipper Babar Azam for the Men in Green's loss to the United States of America (USA) in the T20 World Cup 2024. Misbah-ul-Haq said that Babar Azam was "clueless" about strategies, especially in handling the fast bowlers in their recent match in the ICC event.

The Babar Azam-led team suffered a shocking defeat against T20 World Cup debutants USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday, June 6. The home team registered a victory via Super Over in the recent game. The unexpected loss put Pakistan at risk of a humiliating group-stage exit in the World Cup.

Pakistan managed to score 159 runs for the loss of seven wickets after losing the toss. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan, scoring 44 runs off 43 balls with three fours and two sixes. The Monank Patel-led team reached 159 runs in the run chase, forcing the Super Over to decide the outcome of the match.

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir conceded 18 runs in the Super Over, including three wides and several extras due to sloppy fielding. In response, USA pacer bowler Saurabh Netravalkar conceded just 13 runs in a high-pressure moment. The United States registered one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history.

They Were Not Able To Execute Their Plans - Misbah-ul-Haq

In a television show, Misbah-ul-Haq highlighted Pakistan's lack of strategy and game awareness, contrasting it with the USA's in the Super Over. Misbah said that the USA capitalized on opportunities and took extra runs through byes. He said that Pakistan was outsmarted by the USA in terms of fitness and smart play.

"It was timid. The USA were dominating. We were waiting, thinking that help would come from above. No plan. Babar Azam said they were not able to execute their plans. There was no plan. When it came to handling the fast bowlers, we didn't know who would bowl after the first over. Both Naseem and Amir were walking to take the run-up. So we did not have a plan for even 2 overs. They looked clueless," Misbah-ul-Haq said.

"Look at their game awareness and look at ours. In the Super Over, they were pinching extra runs via byes. In terms of fitness, in terms of speed, in terms of smartness, they defeated us," he added

There Was A Musical Chair For The Board Chairman Role - Misbah-ul-Haq

The 50-year-old said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) changed the white-ball captaincy without addressing the real issues following the team's disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

"In the last 6 months, look at whatever has happened behind the scenes. After the ODI World Cup, there was a musical chair for the board chairman role, and then for captaincy. The problems that came out of the ODI World Cup, we were not able to settle them down.

They have one in with the same batting order, the same spin bowling unit, same balance of the team, captaincy, and planning. The chronic problems resurfaced," Misbah said.

Babar Azam was removed from captaincy across formats following Pakistan's failure to reach the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup 2023. Shaheen Afridi was appointed as the T20I captain but was replaced by Babar after one series and a disappointing performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Also read: SA20 2025 dates announced by Graeme Smith; tournament to be played from January 9 to February 8