Gary Kirsten Cites Poor Decision-Making In Pakistan's T20 Loss To India

Gary Kirsten attributes Pakistan's six-run defeat to India at the T20 World Cup on Sunday to poor decision-making. This result places Pakistan at the bottom of Group A, following their unexpected loss to the United States in their opening match of the tournament.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Pakistan benefited from rain interruptions and managed to dismiss India for 119 runs. Mohammad Rizwan provided a solid foundation for Pakistan's chase, scoring 31 from 44 balls. However, the middle-order batters faltered as Jasprit Bumrah (3-14) made key breakthroughs, delivering 15 dot balls to keep India's unbeaten streak intact.

"Disappointing loss, that's for sure," Kirsten remarked shortly after the defeat. "I knew 120 was not going to be an easy target. If India got only 120, it was always going to be not the easiest. But I think we had the game at 72 for 2 with six or seven overs left. Disappointing not to get across the line from the position we got ourselves into."

India win the game in New York by six runs.
#INDvPAK | #T20WorldCup | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/rEddMmEyWL

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 9, 2024

When asked where the game slipped from their hands, Kirsten pointed to decision-making. "You have got the game on, run a ball, eight wickets in hand, decision-making at that point. That's the game. That's international cricket for you. You make mistakes like that, you are going to pay," he explained.

Kirsten acknowledged Rizwan's performance but noted that critical errors were made during important phases of the game. "I thought Rizwan played well for us. We knew it was going to be a tough wicket to bat on. We managed the chase very well but then just let it slip in the end," he added.

Pakistan will travel to New York to face Canada on Tuesday, while India will play against the hosts at the same venue a day later.