Pakistan's T20 World Cup Hopes Dashed After Crushing Defeat by England: Babar Azam Under Pressure
England witnessed a complete demolition job at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground as they crushed Pakistan by 7 wickets in the 4th T20I to clinch the three-match series 2-0. A superb all-round display by the hosts completely outclassed the Pakistan unit on a night where little went well for the visitors.
The bowlers destroyed Pakistan’s batting
Batting first, Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan got off to a flying start against the onslaught of English bowlers. However, the introduction of Adil Rashid halted the run flow as the ingenious leg-spinner struck the decisive blow. Rizwan’s big wickets due to Rashid’s spin.
ENGLAND CHASE DOWN 158 RUNS FROM JUST 15.3 OVERS against Shaheen, Amir, Naseem & Rauf. 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/5izKGm4Mvb— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 31, 2024
Shadab Khan leaves Pakistan at 86/5.
Despite Usman Khan’s 38, the English seamers led by the fiery Mark Wood went through the Pakistani batting line-up. A well-directed bouncer from Wood caught Azam Khan in the path of Buttler to sum up Pakistan’s dismal batting performance as they were bowled out for 157.
Salt and Butler’s Batting Crackers
Chasing a modest total, England’s explosive opening pair of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler came out all guns blazing. Both took the Pakistani bowling attack to the cleaners, with 19-year-old Naseem Shah being the main target. Salt scored 45 off just 24 balls while the formidable Buttler looked in ominous form, scoring 39 off just 21 balls. Despite losing both openers in quick succession, the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook ensured that England overcame the target with relative ease. His whirlwind knock underlined the depth of England’s batting as the hosts cruised home with 4.3 overs to spare.
Rashid’s match-winning performance
While England’s batting stole the spotlight, it was a phenomenal bowling performance that laid the foundation for this comprehensive victory. A very skilful Adil Rashid was picking the bowlers, picking up 2 crucial wickets and conceding just 27 runs in his frugal spell of 4 overs. His mastery of spin and variation completely outfoxed the Pakistani batsmen, making him a worthy recipient of the Player of the Match award.
The road ahead for the T20 World Cup
This superb series win serves as a major boost for England going into the marquee T20 World Cup in the West Indies later this year. The hosts displayed all the key ingredients – explosive batting firepower, a well-rounded bowling attack and abundant talent throughout the ranks. If they can maintain this great form, the defending champions will definitely be the team to beat.
However, for Pakistan, this series exposed some glaring flaws that need immediate attention by coach Saqlain Mushtaq and skipper Babar Azam. With a lack of substance in their batting and penetration without bowling, the road ahead looks incredibly tough for this Pakistani unit looking to end their elusive wait for a maiden T20 World Cup crown.
