'PATHETIC': Wasim Akram absolutely livid after Pakistan's pitiful and embarrassing loss to USA

In a thrilling encounter at the ICC T20 World Cup, Pakistan set a target of 159/7 against the United States. The USA responded strongly, reaching 159/3 in 18 overs but ended up in a tie with Pakistan after a gripping game. The match proceeded to a Super Over where the USA emerged victorious by 5 runs, with Monank Patel shining as the Player of the Match for his impressive 50 off 38 balls. Both teams displayed excellent cricket skills in this intense Group stage match, thrilling the audience at the Grand Prairie Stadium.

Wasim Akram criticizes Pakistan Cricket Team's performance against debutant USA

Renowned fast bowler Wasim Akram criticized Pakistan for their disappointing display against the USA in a thrilling Super Over showdown. Akram expressed concerns about Babar Azam's team chances of advancing to the T20 World Cup knockout stage following this defeat. The match saw both Pakistan and the USA scoring 159 runs each during regular play. In an intense Super Over, the USA managed to defend 18 runs effectively, securing a memorable victory on Thursday.

"Pathetic performance. Winning and losing is a part of the game. But you need to fight till the last ball. It was a bad for Pakistan cricket," Akram told Star Sports.

"Pakistan will struggle from here onwards to qualify for the Super Eight because they have to play India (on June 9) and two more good teams (Ireland and Canada)," he added.

The lynchpin of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup triumph felt that the turning point of the game was USA taking early wickets. Pakistan stuttered to 30 for three at the end of Power Play and from thereon they struggled for momentum despite skipper Babar and Shadab Khan adding 72 runs for the fourth wicket.

"The turning point of the game...the way USA got early wickets. Pakistan had a little partnership between Babar and Shadab and then nobody turned up. The fielding was below average, the overall cricket by Pakistan was average," he said.

Akram, a master of death bowling in his playing days, said conceding 18 runs in the Super Over dashed Pakistan's hopes.

"While playing against USA, I was confident, every Pakistan supporter was confident that they will win after the way they played in the first innings.

"In the second innings, they (USA) came out to chase...I mean getting 19 runs in the Super Over is like getting 36 runs in a Super Over. Well done USA," he said.

Akram heaped praise on USA captain Monank Patel for marshalling his bowling resources and making a match-winning fifty.

"The moment of the day for me was the innings of USA captain Monank Patel, the way he batted...carried his bat.

"The way he used his suit as in he led from the front. Their fielding was spot-on every time, and very impressive cricket from the USA," he added.

Player of the Match went to USA skipper Monank Patel for his outstanding 50-run performance during the run chase. The squad is presently leading Group A's points standings after two straight wins. The stage is set for an electrifying clash as Pakistan gears up to face India on June 9, 2024, in the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in New York. The anticipation doesn't end there, as the USA cricket team will square off against India on June 12, 2024, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting these thrilling matchups.