'You lost against USA' - Piyush Chawla mocks Babar Azam's Pakistan after early exit from T20 World Cup

Veteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has shared his thoughts on Babar Azam-led Pakistan's group-stage exit from the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Piyush Chawla stated that the Pakistan team's exit was not unexpected due to their overall poor cricketing performance in the marquee tournament.

The Pakistan team had been beaten by the United States of America (USA) in their first match in the T20 World Cup 2024 in Dallas. The Men in Green failed to register a victory against arch-rivals India in their next match. The team's hopes relied on other results in the Group A table to secure a spot in the Super 8 stage.

The 2009 World Cup champions were officially eliminated from the World Cup following the match between the United States of America and Ireland being abandoned due to rain on Friday, June 14. The USA earned five points to their tally, while Pakistan can reach a maximum of four points at the end of the group stage.

Can't Defend 159 And Then The Super Over - Piyush Chawla

Speaking to Star Sports, Piyush Chawla criticized Pakistan's performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. Chawla pointed out Pakistan's inability to chase 120 against India and their failure to defend 159 against the USA. Chawla also criticized Pakistan's poor fielding standards in the ICC tournament.

"You lost to India while chasing just 120 on a pitch that was a lot better than others at that venue. Then you also lost against USA where you couldn't defend 159 and then the Super Over. The fielding also has been poor. So it is not a surprise that Pakistan are knocked out because they didn't play good cricket. When you don't play good cricket, you have to face the exit door," Piyush Chawla said.

There Will Be A Massive Disappointment - Piyush Chawla

Piyush Chawla believes Pakistan's performances justified their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. He highlighted their runner-up finish in the previous 2022 edition, stating that they will face significant scrutiny from fans and analysts alike after failing to progress beyond the group stage.

"There will be a massive disappointment because of the way Pakistan had played in the previous edition. After having played in the final (in 2022), if you do not even qualify for the Super 8 stage, then some big questions will be asked," Chawla opined.

Pakistan has secured only one victory against Canada in their current T20 World Cup campaign. The Babar Aam-led team still has one more match remaining against Ireland, which is scheduled to be played in Florida on Sunday, June 16. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is anticipated to conduct a comprehensive review of their disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 performance, while newly appointed white ball head coach Gary Kirsten will face a challenging task ahead.

Also read: Watch: Sompal Kami treats Anrich Nortje like a schoolboy as he hits a monstrous 105-meter six