World Cup 2019: Nasser Hussain impressed with camaraderie of players and supporters from India and Pakistan

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain’s admiration for the Pakistan cricket team is well known. Even before the start of the ICC World Cup 2019, Hussain had warned against writing the Men in Green off and said they are unpredictable and hence pose danger to any team in the fray. However, almost three weeks since the World Cup started, the 1992 champions’ campaign looks to be in doldrums with three defeats from five matches. On Sunday, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side was left battered by Virat Kohli’s India at Old Trafford as they lost by 89 runs through DLS Method.

The Men in Green came under harsh criticism from their fans and also former players across the board for an uninspiring performance. Sarfaraz’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss backfired as India propelled to a big total of 336 for 5 with Rohit Sharma scoring 140. Pakistan never looked really threatening even if Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam put up a century-run partnership. Their middle order collapsed and after 40 overs, Pakistan could score only 212 for 6 when their revised target was set to be 302.

Kohli’s concern for Wahab Riaz impressed all

Pakistan’s performance certainly left Hussain dejected but the former batsman admired the camaraderie that both players and spectators from both countries displayed on the ground. In a tweet, he also spoke about sympathising with the losing side saying “they have been through a lot”. The Chennai-born former England player said world cricket needed Pakistan to be strong again. One top instance of camaraderie between players of both sides was seen when one of Kohli’s straight shot touched the hand of the bowler, Wahab Riaz, and the Indian captain wanted to know whether he was fine.

That Pakistan are a mercurial side was seen earlier in the tournament when Sarfaraz’s side lost to the West Indies in their first match after getting shot out for just 105. They made a massive comeback in the very next game against a formidable England to score 348 and win the game by 14 runs. But it was a big drop again in the next match against Australia as Pakistan’s batting debacle saw them suffering a 41-run loss. And the defeat now against India shows that the team is yet to show its mercurial best for another time in this tournament.

Pakistan will next take on South Africa on June 23 at Lord’s and it is a very important game for both sides.