Babar Azam only managed 90 runs in three matches as Pakistan marked a group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup. (AP)
Former England batter Michael Vaughan has questioned Pakistan’s white-ball credentials after their T20 World Cup 2024 group-stage exit was confirmed on Friday. Vaughan also placed question marks over the range of talent of skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan after the pair’s underwhelming outings.
To stay alive in the Super 8 chase, Pakistan required Ireland to beat the United States. However, persistent rain washed out the tie in Florida, pushing US through to their maiden Super 8 spot alongside India from Group A. Pakistan eventually had to pay the price for a Super Over defeat to the United States and a nervy six-run defeat to India earlier in the tournament.
“They cant blame the weather. They should have beaten US 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 do. I’ve said earlier that they should have won that game against England,” remarked Vaughan on a Cricbuzz show.
‘Babar, Rizwan not good enough’
Vaughan also placed questions over the ability of Babar’s T20I batting and was uncertain if he would make the cut for other leading sides around the world. “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 said.
Babar compiled only 91 runs in three matches with a 104.65 strike rate while Rizwan made 93 runs at 88.57.
Vaughan also said Pakistan lack the mental fortitude to overcome India in the high-pressure games. Pakistan have now lost seven of their eight meetings against India in the T20 World Cup.
“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, and for whatever reason, Pakistan just doesn’t seem to have that kind of swagger,” Vaughan said.
Pakistan will play their final group-stage game against Ireland in Florida on Sunday.
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