Sarfaraz Ahmed

Pakistan bowed out of the ICC World Cup 2019 falling behind New Zealand in the net run-rate despite winning their last group game against Bangladesh. However, it was the match between India and England, where the Men in Blues lost, which made the life of the Pakistan team harder. Soon after the game, there were claims from certain sections that India lost the encounter deliberately to put Pakistan out of the tournament. But Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has rubbished those claims saying England were a better team on that day.

England played well that day: Sarfaraz

Batting first, England took on the Indian spinners to take 180 runs from their 20 overs to post a massive total. The openers came down heavily on the Indian bowlers before Ben Stokes played a blinder of an innings to post 337 runs on the board. It looked like a daunting task on an Edgbaston wicket and losing KL Rahul early made thing worse. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have put things into perspective, but MS Dhoni showed no intent in the last few overs alongside Kedar Jadhav which raised concern from various sections that India lost the game intentionally.

ICC World Cup 2019: Sarfaraz Ahmed Rubbishes Claims Of India Losing To England Deliberately
Getty Images

Also read: ICC World Cup 2019: 1st Semifinal, India vs New Zealand – India’s Predicted Playing XI

Dhoni and Jadhav managed to score only three boundaries and a six in the last five overs out of which the six and a four came in the 50th over. Besides, both the Indian batsmen were not seen taking too much risk to chase the target raising concerns over the intent. But Sarfaraz Ahmed has denied all those claims saying that England played well to win the match.

“No, no, it is not right to say this. I don’t think India lost because of us. England played well to win,” Sarfaraz told reporters.

After the defeat, India defeated Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in their last two group matches to seal a semifinal berth against New Zealand on July 9 (Tuesday) at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

Read More  RR vs DC Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today’s IPL Match? IPL 2024, Match 9

Also read: Happy Birthday to a 56″ Captain, Virender Sehwag Wishes Sourav Ganguly

I am an accountant by qualification, my parents thought their obedient son would study further to become a CA, but I had other things in mind. An ardent Cricket fan is following his passion and making...