Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez lauded uncapped batter Hassan Nawaz for his extraordinary showing and questioned the side’s tactical blunders after Pakistan suffered a narrow 19-run defeat at the hands of India in the final of the men’s cricket event at the Asian Games.
Pakistan were at sea early in the chase at 39/3 after just seven overs, when Nawaz, who walked in at four, launched a brilliant counter-attacking display with 24-year-old reaching his fifty in just 31 deliveries.
Nawaz proved the difference-maker for Pakistan with a counter-attacking 96 from 51 balls-including five fours and seven sixes-to keep the batting team in with a chance to win, but fell just four runs short of becoming the first player to hit a century for Pakistan against India in a T20I.
On X, Hafeez pointed out that the world has acknowledged individuals’ brilliance but we cannot deny persistent strategic errors.
“Nawaz’s explosive inning was not complemented with the required contribution from top/bottom order after Saim’s departure in the 15th over. We fell short of at least 15-20 runs hence finishing with Silver medals.
“Management decisions, batting order, and match execution are essential for long-term success and building the depth in the squad and grooming potential individuals.
Such consistent individual brilliance in the matches cannot convert into victory”.
