In a low-scoring match, Pakistan were decisively defeated by their arch-rivals India. Meanwhile, India maintained their unbeaten streak in Group A, and the USA clinched the second Super 8 spot. As India and the USA progressed to the second round from Group A, Babar’s Pakistan were eliminated from the T20 World Cup, despite winning their final fixture against Ireland on Sunday.

Former spinner Danish Kaneria harshly criticized Pakistan’s performance at the recent ICC event, lashing out at the PCB for overly relying on captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He also claimed PCB went to the tournament with the ‘useless team’. Kaneria also took aim at critics who have compared Babar’s batting prowess to Virat Kohli.

“The team selection often seems questionable, with the over-reliance on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. While they consistently perform against weaker teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland, they have failed to deliver in major tournaments. Comparisons of Babar to Virat Kohli is wrong, as Pakistan batter does not fire in crucial games,” stated Kaneria.

“Bringing in Gary Kirsten, the coach who helped India win the World Cup is great. However, don’t expect him to create miracles overnight. He is not a magician. In Pakistan cricket, politics heavily influences the sport. Kirsten will require significant time to understand the dynamics of Pakistan cricket before he can truly begin his work,” he added.

Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten openly criticized his team’s performance, claiming there was a lack of unity in the squad. Kirsten, who previously guided India to their 2011 World Cup triumph, did not mince his words in his assessment of the Pakistan team.