Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign began off to a disastrous start with a 60 runs defeat against New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi’s National Stadium on Wednesday. The top order collapsed completely, there was questionable bowling and poor fielding added on to the struggles.
This performance left fans visibly frustrated and many expressed their anger during conversations with local media at the stadium. Nearly in unison, fans were concerned about the prospects of the team against India after the opening match loss. One supporter, dismayed by Pakistan’s sluggish start, went from the ground early and went on a long rant against PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, saying he chose players on the basis of personal connections instead of talent.
“They don’t have the standard to beat India. If the nation’s passion inspires them, then maybe there’s a chance. Otherwise, no chance,” a fan told YouTube channel paktv.tv.
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“I have no hope. India have a level. Our players are kids in front of them,” another fan told the same channel.
“We couldn’t beat New Zealand at our home ground, where we had the home advantage. How will we beat India?” said another.
“Babar is selfishly playing for himself. We are seeing it for a long time now. Salman (Agha) played better than him,” said the fan.
“They’re not winning any match. They will lose against Bangladesh, too.”
“You come to media and say that we are preparing this stadium or that stadium. We don’t need your stadiums when you are bringing parchi (selected on reference) players,” the fan told Times of Karachi.
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Pakistan’s batting had no sense of urgency or purpose. Babar Azam’s half-century (64 from 90 balls) was agonizingly slow, and though Khushdil Shah made a gallant knock of 69 from 49 balls, it was too little, too late to be effective. The Men in Green could not get into gear or develop any significant partnerships, and the required run rate continued to increase as the game wore on.
This defeat places Pakistan on the brink of elimination, and with their next fixture against India a do-or-die affair after this loss, a defeat now threatens to kick them out of the tournament altogether. Sunday’s match, then, is do-or-die for the Men in Green.
