World Cup T20: India humbled Pakistan again
USA’s win over Namibia made the race even tighter, so the final group matches are crucial for Pakistan’s survival in the tournament. At the moment, USA and Pakistan have the same number of points (4). However, a better net run saw the USA in second place in the points table. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson admitted the defeat was difficult for the players, saying: “There’s quite a disappointed dressing room at the moment because they know how much it means to Pakistan.” He added that despite recent winning form, India were simply better on the day. “We know it’s a huge event, Pakistan against India. Obviously we had won five matches before today so we were confident but we got outplayed today,” he added.India posted 175-7 thanks to Ishan Kishan’s 77, supported by Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube. Pakistan soon collapsed to 13-3 and were bowled out for 114, with Usman Khan top scorer with 44. Defending the decision to bowl first, Hesson said: “I think the ball was spinning a lot initially and we started well but I think the way Kishan bowled took the game away from us.”Now Pakistan have to beat Namibia in their final group game on Wednesday to stay alive. If they lose, they are eliminated. If the match is washed away by rain, the two teams will share the points and Pakistan will qualify for the Super 8s.Their fate may also depend on other results, including the matches between the USA and the Netherlands, which may affect the qualification order.Urging the team to recover quickly, Hesson said: “We have to pick ourselves up and make sure we are very good in two or three days.” He added that confidence remains, saying: “We have played good cricket throughout this World Cup, so we believe we will do well in the tournament.”