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Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten shared his thoughts on the team’s “disappointing defeat” against India in a closely contested Group A match at the T20 World Cup 2024. The thrilling encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium ended with India clinching a narrow six-run victory over Pakistan.
Pakistan batters falter under pressure
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan managed to restrict India for 119, thanks to stellar bowling performances from Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who each claimed three wickets. Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with a crucial 42 off 31 balls.
Despite a strong start to their chase, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure. Mohammad Rizwan scored a patient 31, but regular fall of wickets and tight bowling from India, particularly from Jasprit Bumrah who took 3-14, limited Pakistan to 113-7 in their 20 overs.
Also READ: Pakistan captain Babar Azam reflects on defeat to India in T20 World Cup 2024
Gary Kirsten’s reaction on Pakistan’s defeat
In a post-match press conference, Gary Kirsten expressed his disappointment over the outcome and highlighted the key areas where the team fell short.
“It’s a disappointing loss, that’s for sure. I knew 120 wasn’t going to be an easy target, because if anyway India only got 120, it was always going to be not the easiest. But i think we had the game at 72 for 2… 6 or 7 overs left at that point. Disappointing not to get across the line from the position we got ourselves into. Some may be not great decision making. When you got the game on, you had to [score] run a ball, eight wicket in hand… decision making at that point and that’s the game, that’s international cricket for you,” remarked Kirsten.
“[If] You make mistakes like that, you’re going to pay. So I thought we made some poor decisions at important phases in the game, for us to get across the line and we had that game in our game. I thought Rizwan played really well for us. We know it’s gonna be a tough wicket to bat on, so we managed the chase really well and then just kind of let it slip in the end,” he added.
With two consecutive losses, Pakistan now faces an uphill task in their T20 World Cup campaign. Meanwhile, India’s victory propels them to the top of Group A with two wins in two matches, ahead of the USA clash on Wednesday, June 12.
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