The State of Play
Pakistan head into tomorrow’s T20 World Cup 2024 clash with Canada drinking firmly in the last-chance saloon.
Sunday’s dispiriting loss to arch-rivals India means Pakistan must win their last two Group A games and hope results elsewhere go their way.
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It could so easily have been a different story for Babar Azam’s side who dominated for much of the contest against India as they looked to bounce back from their opening match embarrassment against the United States.
Having restricted India to 119, Pakistan appeared well placed when needing just 40 runs from the last 36 balls with seven wickets in hand. But Jasprit Bumrah had other ideas and a terrific spell of fast bowling saw India home by six runs.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten admitted it was one that got away but the South African is still hopeful his side can progress.
He said: “We have still got a chance in this tournament. We are still hopeful that things can play into our hands. Obviously we have got to play a lot better cricket than we are playing. It just comes down to executing our skills together as batters and bowlers. We had that game for 35 of the 40 overs. We played good cricket, we did everything we needed to.
“Everyone’s responsible. We accept the loss and we take the heat because the team has not done well. And we will do what we can to try and rectify it.
“I have been here for 12 days so it is a new journey for me understanding the players that are going to win games for Pakistan, which is what you are looking for.
“A lot of these guys have played a lot of T20 cricket around the world over many, many years and it’s really up to them to decide how they’re going to take their games forward. So, if you’re not up to it and you’re not improving, you’re going to get found out somewhere.
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Pakistan won’t find it easy, however, against a Canada side very much in the qualification mix.
Friday’s 12-run win over Ireland means they sit third in the pool, two points behind India and the US. A win in New York would significantly enhance their chances, particularly as the States still have to face all-conquering India.
Captain Saad Bin Zafar said: “It’s one game – and one day – at a time, and we’re going to come strong against Pakistan.”
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten points to what’s gone wrong for his side so far in the USA 🤔#T20WorldCup | #INDvPAKhttps://t.co/3XcUDO51WT
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 10, 2024
Expected line-ups
Canada: Johnson, Dhaliwal, Singh, Bajwa, Kirton, Movva (wk), Heyliger, Bin Zafar (c), Sana, Siddiqui, Gordon
Pakistan: Rizwan (wk), Azam (c), U Khan, Zaman, Wasim, S Khan, Ahmed, Shah Afridi, Naseem, Amir, Rauf
How to watch
Sky have the rights to show the T20 World Cup to UK viewers in 2024 and will broadcast every game live. Coverage gets underway on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket from 3pm UK time.
In India, the games can be streamed on Disney + Hotstar app and website. They are also available across the Star Sports Network.
The 𝙟𝙤𝙮 of winning ❤️🇨🇦 #CANvIRE #weCANcricket #T20WorldCup@ICC @T20WorldCup
📷 ICC/Getty pic.twitter.com/0aiFzruNBc
— Cricket Canada (@canadiancricket) June 7, 2024
Prediction
Pakistan have not been as bad as their record suggests.
A Super Over defeat to United States was disappointing but shocks do happen. And they were the better side for much of the game against India.
They are often at their best with their backs against the wall and you can expect a battling response to their latest adversity.
Canada are no pushovers but we’re going for Pakistan to get their campaign belatedly up and running. Whether it will be enough remains to be seen but Babar and Co should win this with something to spare.
