COLOMBO: Two years ago, a heartbreaking Super Over defeat against hosts USA derailed Pakistan’s momentum and delivered a massive blow to their campaign. Fast forward to the present, and the storyline feels eerily familiar. Once again, Pakistan find themselves walking a tightrope, where any slip-up or even a slightly below-par showing against the same opposition on Tuesday could virtually spell the end of their World Cup T20 journey.
When it comes to Pakistan cricket, predictability has never been part of the equation. One day, the Green Shirts look vulnerable and fragile; the next, they explode with a performance that reminds the world of their immense potential. It was precisely this unpredictability that defined Pakistan’s opening night of the ICC World Cup T20 2024, where Faheem Ashraf’s breezy and timely knock rescued the side from embarrassment and helped them limp across the line.
Yet, it was a narrow escape, one that should set alarm bells ringing. The Netherlands (Holland), at various stages, looked well-positioned to spring a major upset in the very first match of the mega event. Pakistan survived, but survival alone won’t be enough as the tournament tightens its grip.
Fans back home, already emotionally drained by a nerve-wrecking opener, simply cannot afford another roller-coaster ride. Having been pushed to their limits by Holland, Pakistan must now deliver nothing short of a spotless, commanding performance against the USA if they are to get their campaign firmly back on track.
Make no mistake, USA are no ordinary opponents. They underlined their growing stature in world cricket by rattling mighty India in their opening encounter. Reducing a power-packed Indian batting line-up to 77 for 6 and keeping relentless pressure on the lower order was a rare and remarkable sight in modern T20 cricket.
Had Suryakumar Yadav not been dropped when he was just 16, the contest could have tilted even further in USA’s favour. That performance alone is proof that the USA possess both belief and bite. With all departments ticking reasonably well and previous experience against Pakistan under their belt, they will take the field with confidence, courage and nothing to lose often a dangerous combination.
Pakistan, fully aware of the stakes, underwent an extensive practice session on Monday. All players were put through rigorous physical drills, alongside focused batting and bowling sessions, as the team management looked to iron out flaws exposed in the opener.
The biggest concern remains Pakistan’s alarming middle-order collapse against Holland, where five crucial wickets fell for just 16 runs, a sequence that raised serious questions about the team’s ability to remain calm under pressure. While the bowling unit delivered an exceptional performance, it was the batting that unexpectedly piled pressure on the side.
Now, the spotlight firmly rests on Pakistan’s batting line-up. While the openers have shown encouraging signs, the middle and lower-middle order failed to rise to the occasion in the first match. Can they shoulder responsibility when it matters most? Can they absorb pressure instead of surrendering to it?
As Pakistan prepare for a must-win clash against a fearless USA side, the question remains unanswered, but the time for answers has arrived. Tuesday could either mark a revival or signal the beginning of an early exit. The stage is set, the stakes are sky-high, and Pakistan cricket once again stands at a defining crossroads.
