Disappointment Grips Pakistan Following Cricket World Cup Defeat to India
Pakistan’s Defeat to India
Disheartenment swept through Pakistan on Monday following their defeat to arch-rivals India, worsening their woes in the cricket T20 World Cup. Some fans, disheartened by the outcome, deemed their campaign a lost cause after just two matches.
Rawalpindi’s Disappointment
In the garrison city of Rawalpindi, one spectator expressed his disappointment to his companions, declaring, “Cricket is finished for Pakistan.” Many fans abandoned a big-screen viewing event before the final ball was bowled.
Frustration Peaks at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
As night descended on Sunday, crowds poured into the 15,000-seat Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with hopes of witnessing a victory for captain Babar Azam’s struggling team in a match played halfway around the world in New York. However, India emerged victorious by six runs in a low-scoring thriller on a challenging batting surface. Frustration peaked after midnight as supporters hurled plastic bottles at the screens.
Resigned Reflections
Reflecting on the loss, 26-year-old Ahsan Ullah said resignedly, “Fate had something else in mind. Right now our hearts are a little broken.”
Double Disappointment
The defeat followed Pakistan’s humiliating loss to the USA on Thursday, when the co-host debutants defeated the 2022 finalists and 2009 champions in a Super Over thriller in Texas.
Intense Rivalry
Pakistan and India’s cricket rivalry is deeply entrenched, attracting immense viewership due to the sport’s popularity in both countries. Despite the tense political relations, matches between the two nations evoke intense emotions.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the disappointment, Pakistan still has upcoming matches against Canada and Ireland. However, with doubts looming over their prospects, fans like 32-year-old Abdul Rasheed and 17-year-old Adan Mustafa fear a challenging road ahead.
