Pakistan’s chances of reaching the T20 World Cup Super 8 are very slim after losing the first two games.
Having lost their first two matches against the USA and India, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 look very slim now.
The Men in Green are due to face Canada in their next Group A match at the Nassau County ground, New York on Tuesday (June 11).
Ahead of the must-win game, former captain Shahid Afridi has suggested a couple of changes to the Pakistan playing XI.
Afridi also asked skipper Babar Azam to drop down to No. 3 in the batting order so that explosive left-hander Fakhar Zaman can bat at the top.
"I think now is the time for Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam to make some changes. I would like to see Salman Ali Agha come into the side in place of Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed to come in for Shadab Khan," Afridi told ICC.
"Most of all, I believe Fakhar Zaman should be promoted to open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar dropping down to number three.
"There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet," he added.
Pakistan failed to chase down a small target of 120 against India despite their bowlers setting the game up nicely by bundling out the arch-rivals for a below-par 119 in 19 overs.
"The key difference between the two teams was India's consistency, self-belief, discipline and attitude on the field. The Pakistan batting line-up simply isn't clicking and what we saw was a weak display of power hitting.
"For several reasons, this game wasn't about playing aggressively. But strategy and smart cricket were required to get the run chase over the line, and those qualities are exactly what Pakistan lacked.
"India have now won seven of their eight matches against Pakistan at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and Pakistan fans are highly disappointed," Afridi remarked.
At one stage, Babar Azam’s team needed 48 runs from as many balls with eight wickets in hand. However, the Indian pace battery, led by Jasprit Bumrah (3-14) and Hardik Pandya (2-24), staged a remarkable comeback and restricted Pakistan to 113/7 in 20 overs.
"On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through. India stayed positive and calm until the last ball and the pressure of the run chase was not handled well by Babar Azam's side," Afridi concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)