'The way he has conducted himself...': Dinesh Karthik lambasts Babar Azam after PAK's 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.

Dinesh Karthik made a huge statement about Babar Azam after Pakistan lost to USA in the T20 WC

Captain Babar Azam of Pakistan's squad lost their opening Twenty20 World Cup match against the United States of America (USA). The captain was obviously disappointed with Pakistan's performance and spoke openly about it on Thursday, June 6, at the post-match event at Dallas, Texas's Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan lost following a Super Over as it battled to get the better of the co-hosts. Babar led the way with 44 runs off 43 pitches, but the other top-order hitters didn't really help him. By the fifth over, the team was behind to 26-3, but they rallied to score 159.

Babar expressed dissatisfaction with the present status of the team in his post-match remarks and was critical of the squad's performance in every area. Babar Azam said:

“First six overs, we couldn't capitalise. After that we picked up momentum, but lost wickets in flurry which was a set back and also couldn't put up partnerships at crucial junctures. We weren't up to the mark in the first six overs with the ball. We tried to come back, but we couldn't' finish,”

Dinesh Karthik underlined the need of a leader keeping a cheerful attitude even in less than ideal situations. It is inappropriate for a captain to be too open and to openly criticise their own teammates, he said:

"As a leader, you have to find ways to be diplomatic in press conferences and post-match ceremonies. Somehow, find a way to back your players. Inside the four walls, in the dressing room, you can say what you want and have a go at a few people, but you need to find a way to back those players," Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz."

It is one thing being honest, but it also one thing trying to understand what the dynamics of your team are. He is just newly-appointed as a captain, a lot of the players are vulnerable right now, he needs to be saying things like, 'Yes, it was a bad day, we could have probably done somethings better;. That is the kind of language to be used. But to say that we played badly and lost to many wickets, it is firstly stating the obvious, and secondly, if any Pakistan player reads it, which they will be, it feels like he is letting you down," Karthik added.

“The way he has conducted himself on the field, where he is having a go at the bowlers when boundaries go, is not a sign of a good leader. Showing disappointment is fine, but there is a way to show it, where the players do not get more nervous than they are already on the field,”

With two consecutive victories, the United States climbed to the lead of Group A's points standings, while Pakistan suffered an unexpected defeat. Prior to their victory over Pakistan, they defeated Canada in Dallas by seven wickets. Pakistan is preparing for an electric encounter against India in the ICC T20 World Cup, which will be held in New York on June 9, 2024. The suspense does not end there, as the USA cricket team will face India on June 12, 2024, adding to the tournament's excitement. Cricket fans around the world are looking forward to these exciting matches.