PAK vs CAN: "Typical Pakistan..." - Aakash Chopra pokes fun at Babar Azam-led team's strategy in T20 WC face-off against India

Cricket pundit Aakash Chopra has delivered a scathing review of the Pakistan cricket team's performance against India in the high-stakes encounter of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.

The former Indian batter expressed his utter disappointment over the missed opportunity by Pakistan in the high-voltage clash against Team India in New York. Chopra lamented the Men in Green’s inability to capitalize on their momentum, as they had strong control over the game for a significant duration after the initial overs against the Men in Blue.

Aakash Chopra criticizes Pakistan's strategy in the nail-biting T20 World Cup 2024 encounter against India

However, the commentator questioned Pakistan’s strategy in the crucial final overs, where they fell short of just six runs to win the game despite having enough time to secure the win against India.

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Reflecting on the missed opportunities, Chopra noted that India failed to get the early wickets in low-scoring matches, but Pakistan failed to capitalize on such golden opportunities.

Chopra particularly pointed out Shivam Dube's dropped catch and highlighted the solitary wicket taken by Jasprit Bumrah, whom he hailed as an Indian treasure for his cleverness and consistently exceptional performance.

In a tongue-in-cheek remark, the cricket pundit has hilariously suggested preserving Jasprit Bumrah like a museum piece, given his exceptional talent and impact on the game for the Indian cricket team.

Jasprit Bumrah is a national treasure: Aakash Chopra

He quipped about the potential demand for tickets to watch Bumrah play. Notably, Bumrah picked the crucial wickets of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Iftikhar Ahmed, conceded only 14 runs in his quota of four overs, and played a key role in Team India’s inspiring win over the Pakistan team.

Aakash Chopra said on AakashVani show at Sports18: "Pakistan - spare a moment of thought. This match was totally in your grasp. If you leave aside the first 10 overs, you controlled the game for 25 overs after that. However, in the last five overs - how? Why were 30 runs required in three overs when you needed a run-a-ball but this is typical Pakistan. Pakistan's journey might be over.

When it's a low-scoring match, you need to take three or four wickets in the first six overs, and then only the game can be made. That didn't happen. (Shivam) Dube dropped a catch and only one wicket fell - Jasprit Bumrah got Babar (Azam) out. Jassi jaisa koi hai hi nahin yaar. He is a national treasure. Wrap him in cotton wool and keep him in a museum. There should be a ticket to watch him, although people paid thousands of dollars to watch him.”

In the end, Chopra said that the turning point of the game was Axar Patel dismissing Usman Khan, calling it a very important breakthrough for India. He also praised Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, saying he bowled brilliantly by conceding just 19 runs in his four overs against Pakistan.