The Pakistan cricket team's hopes of advancing to the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 were dashed after their match against Ireland was washed out. With India and the USA securing spots from Group A, Pakistan faced significant criticism following losses to both the USA and India. These defeats led to widespread scrutiny of the team and its captain, Babar Azam.
Michael Vaughan's Critique:
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was particularly harsh in his assessment, suggesting that Pakistan lacked the necessary swagger and confidence in white-ball cricket. He emphasised that Pakistan had no one to blame but themselves for failing to make it to the Super 8.
“They can't blame the weather. They should have beaten the USA and India. If they did, they would have been through to the Super 8s. I just don't see Pakistan at the moment as a great white-ball team. Even when they went to the final in the last (T20) World Cup, I didn't think they were a great side. They just did what Pakistan did. I've said earlier that they should have won that game against England,” Vaughan said on Cricbuzz, as reported by Times Now.
On Babar Azam's Place in Other Teams:
Vaughan further stated that while Babar Azam is an exceptional player, he might not make it into the T20 squads of top teams like India, England, Australia, or the West Indies.
"I don't think they have the skill set of what I've seen in the past from Pakistan cricket in T20 cricket. I honestly don't think they've got many great T20 players. Babar Azam is exceptional, but would he make England's, Australia's, India's, or the West Indies' T20 teams? Probably not," Vaughan remarked.
Mental Edge and Swagger:
Vaughan also pointed out the psychological edge that India has over Pakistan, especially in crucial matches.
"Mentally, they have no clue how to beat India. That's true. I could see it in the chase. They should have absolutely strolled that game. There's only one winner because India knows how to win, and they have the mentality to get over the line. For whatever reason, Pakistan just doesn't seem to have that kind of swagger," Vaughan concluded.
The remarks underscore the challenges faced by Pakistan in the current T20 World Cup and highlight the areas needing improvement if they are to reclaim their status as a dominant force in white-ball cricket.