‘India is such a good balanced side’ - Waqar Younis lauds team India’s balance following win over Pakistan

Team India registered a thrilling victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Both sides faced off at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York in the 19th game of the tournament on June 9. 

Batting first, India faced a collapse as most of their batters failed to go big. However, Rishabh Pant’s resilience helped the side reach 119 runs in the first innings. Pakistan looked to be propelling towards a win, however, India’s brilliant bowling attack saw the Men in Green unable to chase down the target. 

Pakistan only scored 113 runs as they lost the game by six runs. Former Pakistan cricketer Waqar Younis recently came forward to give his take on the game. The 52-year-old opined that India gave Pakistan a good chance to win the game. However, India’s brilliant performers snatched the game away. 

"I think India gave Pakistan a good chance of winning this game by batting poorly. They could have easily put up maybe 140-150. Losing those seven wickets right at the end didn't really help. However, India is such a good balanced side. If they don't bat well, they know they have got (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Siraj, Ravindra (Jadeja) - they have their bowling and fielding also really covered, which makes them a super team," Younis told Star Sports. 

It was a horrible performance by the Pakistani batters: Waqar Younis

Furthermore, Waqar Younis lambasted Pakistan for their subpar batting performance. He stated that the win was handed to Pakistan on a plate, but they still could not get over the line. 

"Pakistan - if you can't win this game, what should I say? This was given to you on a plate and Pakistan really spilled it. It was a horrible performance by the Pakistani batters. There were a few partnerships in the beginning but they couldn't really finish the game," Waqar said.