Shots fired at New Zealand, West Indies as Imam-ul-Haq calls Pakistan's fielding better

Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq made a bold statement as he touted his team as the 5th best in the world in terms of fielding. He also made a shocking statement, saying that his team's fielding is better than New Zealand and the West Indies. 

Imam-ul-Haq's comments during a TV show when he was asked to compare Pakistan's fielding with other teams in the world. The opening batter didn't hesitate and stated that they were only behind Australia England, South Africa, and India in terms of the fielding. 

Imam-ul-Haq went on to say that they are better than New Zealand, the West Indies, and Bangladesh. Speaking about the same, he elaborated: 

"Look, I'll tell you about the top 10. There are 16-17 teams in this T20 World Cup. I think we're in 5th place right now. I don't know what the ranking is right now, but I think we're in the top 4 after the first 2-3 teams. Australia, England, South Africa, India Yes, for sure (on fielding better than New Zealand and West Indies) Absolutely, absolutely better." 

Notably, Pakistan are often trolled for their fielding efforts. The Babar Azam-led side has often lost quite a few games because of their poor fielding. It has been evident in quite a few games, where their effort has proved to be the difference and they have lost games. 

In their recent encounter against India in the T20 World 2024, Pakistan's fielding was at their worst. They dropped Rishabh Pant quite a few times and it proved out be a turning point. The keeper-batter went on to score 42 runs and helped India post a fighting total on the board and then win the game. 

Overall in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan's performance on the field wasn't great. They didn't bat ball and field well. Based on their poor efforts, they suffered an early exit and were eliminated after losing games against the United States of America and the India National Cricket Team. 

Imam ul Haq said, "Pakistan team fielding is better than New Zealand and West Indies. pic.twitter.com/72o1PTjeNX

— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) June 23, 2024

Imam-ul-Haq's recent form of concern for Pakistan 

Imam-ul-Haq of late has been under the firing line for his poor performances. He was dropped from the team during the ICC World Cup 2023 after playing the first few games as he failed to make an impact. After that, he was replaced by Abdullah Shafique in the team. 

Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique then going ahead into the tournament played huge knocks with the bat. This made things difficult for Imam-ul-Haq to find his place back in the team for the tournament. After that, he failed to deliver in Tests.

Imam-ul-Haq failed to make an impact with the bat in the Test series against Australia. He played the first few games and then struggled to play the short ball before he was replaced by Saim Ayub in the XI for the last games of the series. With Pakistan next slated to lock horns with Bangladesh in the Test series, it remains to be seen if he gets a place in the team or not.