The T20 World Cup 2024 has turned into a nightmare for Pakistan and their captain Babar Azam. Their campaign began with a shocking loss to the United States of America (USA) and a subsequent defeat against arch-rivals India. These setbacks have led to an early exit from the tournament, much to the disappointment of their fans and critics worldwide.

Struggles and setbacks in T20 World Cup 2024

Pakistan managed their first victory against Canada, keeping slim hopes for qualification alive. However, their fate was sealed when the match between the USA and Ireland was washed out, resulting in shared points. Meanwhile, in batting their skipper Babar could scored 90 runs in three games at a strike rate of 104.65, and Pakistan’s batting issues have led to him demoting himself to No. 3. Criticism has also been directed at Babar’s captaincy and overall demeanor on the field. Earlier in April, Babar was reinstated as white-ball captain after stepping down following Pakistan’s exit from the ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

Criticism and Analysis of Babar Azam’s poor show

Speaking to Cricbuzz, former England captain Michael Vaughan has voiced his skepticism about Babar’s as a T20 captain. Vaughan remarked, “I still don’t see him as a T20 captain. I see him as a Test and 50-over captain, in those formats in which he excels as a player. In T20 cricket, his game is very good, a pure player, but he is not up there with the top 15 batters in the world in T20 cricket. I think there are better players than him up the order,” Vaughan’s comments highlighted ongoing concerns about Babar’s effectiveness as a leader in the shortest format.

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Michael Vaughan’s perspective on Pakistan

Reflecting on Pakistan’s group-stage elimination, Vaughan pointed out that Pakistan missed crucial opportunities against the USA and India. He asserted that the team could not blame their exit on the weather alone. Wins in those matches would have guaranteed their spot in the Super 8s. Vaughan credited the USA for their nerve in securing a victory over Pakistan and criticized Pakistan for not being a top-tier white-ball team, despite their final appearance in the last edition of the T20 World Cup in Australia.

“They can’t blame the weather. They should’ve beaten the United States and India. If they had won those two games, they would have advanced to the Super Eights. This is what Pakistan typically does at World Cups, which arrive and beat good teams. I didn’t expect them to come close to India. They should have won that match. In their game against the United States, they were poor. They were really poor down the back end defending. The four off the last ball, Super Over, was carnage. The ball was going over there, running two and three, and it was typical of Pakistan. They just panicked, and great credit to the United States. They held the nerve, played some good shots, and got over the line,” the 49-year-old added.

“I don’t see Pakistan at the minute as a great white-ball team. Even in the last World Cup, when they won or reached the final, I didn’t think they were a great side. Even when they won it or got to the final of the last World Cup, I didn’t think they were a great side. They just did what Pakistan does. They should have won that game,” Vaughan concluded.

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