Ex-Captain Criticizes Babar, Shaheen After Pakistan’s Defeat to India
In a critical assessment of Pakistan’s performance, former captain Mohammad Yousaf expressed his disappointment following their 61-run defeat to India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match, held in Colombo. Yousaf emphasized that it is time to reconsider the inclusion of senior players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan in the team.
Match Overview
The match took place at the R. Premadasa Stadium, where India showcased their dominance over Pakistan in T20 World Cup encounters, extending their head-to-head advantage to 8-1. This loss further highlighted Pakistan’s struggles against top-tier teams on the global stage.
Key Player Performances
- Babar Azam: The captain had a disappointing outing, managing only 5 runs off 7 balls before being dismissed by Axar Patel.
- Shadab Khan: Struggled both with bat and ball, conceding 17 runs in his sole over and scoring only 14 runs from 15 balls.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Had a challenging day, bowling just two overs and giving away 31 runs, which contributed to India’s control over the match.
India’s Impressive Innings
India batted first and scored 175 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Ishan Kishan was the standout performer, scoring a remarkable 77 runs off just 40 balls, taking charge of the innings. His aggressive play set a challenging target for Pakistan. By the halfway point, India had reached 92 for 2, solidifying their grip on the game.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
In reply, Pakistan’s innings crumbled under pressure. The team was bowled out for 114 runs in just 18 overs. Early wickets disrupted their chase, and despite some efforts from their bowlers, including Saim Ayub, who took 3 wickets for 25 runs, the middle order could not recover.
Looking Ahead
Yousaf’s remarks on the performances of Babar, Shaheen, and Shadab point to a need for fresh talent in Pakistan’s T20 setup. The insistence on maintaining a competitive edge in international cricket may require a shift in player dynamics, particularly after such a crushing defeat.
With the T20 World Cup continuing, the Pakistan team faces pressing questions about their strategy and player selection. It remains to be seen how they will respond to this significant loss and whether changes will be made to enhance their chances in future matches.
