Pakistan’s hopes of breaking their India jinx in the 50-overs World Cup were dashed on Saturday. More concerning than their seven-wicket defeat by their arch-rivals, it was the manner in which they lost that is troubling the 1992 champions.
Hosts India, supported by a 100,000-plus crowd at a vibrant Narendra Modi Stadium, maintained their unbeaten record against Pakistan with a comprehensive victory, outperforming their rivals in all aspects of the game.
Team director Mickey Arthur acknowledged that Pakistan’s batters lacked aggression in their first loss in three matches. He stated, “I just think we were a little bit timid tonight with our overall performance.”
Skipper Babar Azam (50) and in-form Mohammad Rizwan (49) forged the only half-century partnership in the Pakistan innings. Arthur called them “classy performers” but felt they should have asserted themselves more, especially against the Indian spinners.
Their bowling also lacked fire against India. Arthur mentioned that they were working to address the issues.
“The key for us now is getting our players to remain calm. It’s getting our players to focus on the next game, and it’s to build them up and make sure that they go into that next game thinking they can run through a brick wall.”
Pakistan, cruising at 155-2 in the 29th over, suffered a spectacular meltdown to be all out for 191 with more than seven overs left in their innings.
India then exposed Pakistan’s bowling weaknesses and secured victory with nearly 20 overs to spare in the one-sided blockbuster.
