PAK vs IND: Inzamam's big statement on crucial T20 World Cup 2024 match

After Pakistan's humiliating defeat against the United States in Thursday's match at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq commented on how high scores and taking wickets would have boosted the national team's confidence ahead of their clash with India.

The Men in Green are set to face a strong Indian side in a high-stakes World Cup match on June 9 in New York.

In a video shared on his official YouTube channel, Inzamam made a significant statement about Pakistan's expected performance against their archrivals.

"If our batters had scored well and bowlers had taken wickets, we would have gone into the match against India with high confidence. India will come into the match with high morale, but Pakistan won’t. The match against the US was very important for us," he said.

The former cricketer expressed concerns about the trajectory of Pakistan cricket, suggesting it was heading towards a “downfall.”

“Babar Azam and company should sit down and think about the kind of cricket they are playing. But, looking at our cricket and selection, I think our cricket is headed towards downfall,” he added.

The match between Pakistan and the US ended in a tie after each side played 20 overs, but Pakistan lost by five runs in the super over, failing to chase down a target of 19.

Pakistan had posted a 160-run target while batting first, which the US managed to level on the last ball of their innings, finishing at 159-3.

In the post-match presentation, Babar Azam acknowledged their failure to score with intent during the powerplay.

"In the first six overs, we didn't capitalize. Back-to-back wickets always put you on the back foot. As a batter, you need to step up and build partnerships," he said.

Babar also highlighted the team's shortcomings with the ball, noting that the spinners were unable to take wickets.

"We were not up to the mark in the first six overs with the ball. Our spinners also did not take wickets in the middle overs, so these things cost us," he added.

"All credit to the US; they played better than us in all three departments. There was a little bit of moisture in the pitch, and it was also two-paced. As a professional, you need to assess the conditions," he concluded.