Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is disappointed that India didn’t do it for arch-rivals

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur after his team won a key game against South Africa had said that following their loss to India, he had thought of committing suicide. The pressure was showing on each of the members of the Pakistan squad – be it the players or the support staff members. And now, the South African-born coach of the former champions has expressed disappointment that India could not beat hosts England at Edgbaston last Sunday.

An India win over hosts would’ve improved Pakistan’s chances of making the semi-finals. But India lost the match by 31 runs – to suffer their only defeat in the tournament so far. Pakistan have done well to bounce back in the tournament after a poor start. They had only three points from their first five matches with one win, three losses and one wash-out but then won three consecutive games to get closer to the semi-final slots.

They even got into the top four following their three-wicket victory over Afghanistan last Saturday after England lost two consecutive matches against Sri Lanka and Australia. However, the delight lasted for 24 hours as England beat India to get back into the top four, pushing Pakistan to the fifth position.

One point separates England and Pakistan now

England and Pakistan have both played eight games and are separated by a point. If England defeat New Zealand in their final league game in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday, they will go through. However, if the Black Caps win, Pakistan still stand a chance and will have to beat Bangladesh to go through.

Had India defeated England, the situation would have been more hopeful for Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side as the pressure would have been more on the hosts. Pakistan would still have a chance of making it if England win but that will be possible only if they can pip NZ in the net run-rate in their match against Bangladesh. It might be too much of an ask then.

“How they (India) played, again that’s the issue which we can’t control,” The Indian Express cited reports as quoting Arthur who might not see an extension of his contract after this World Cup.“Obviously, I was following the game intently and was disappointed that India did not get up because that would have opened the door for us.”

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“Now all we want is to get to Friday with a real opportunity and our destiny in our own hands. I just hope New Zealand get it done for us.”

Australia and India are the two sides to have confirmed slots in the semi-finals so far. While Australia went through early, India cemented their place after beating Bangladesh by 28 runs in a close game at Edgbaston.