IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2022: Experts Praise Team Pakistan After Narrow Loss To India

Severe criticism of Pakistani cricketers is expected after a loss to India but the experts were rather kind to the players after Sunday's narrow defeat against the arch-rivals in the Asia Cup in Dubai. "The reaction to losing to India has not been the usual criticism because in the build up to the match the camaraderie shown by players of both teams towards each other was brilliant while our team also fought hard till the final over,” Pakistan's former captain Moin Khan said.

The match was as watched by millions in Pakistan despite the tragic loss of lives and destruction caused by the torrential monsoon rains and flash floods all over the country.

In Karachi itself, big screens were installed all over the city for the game which ended in a thrilling fashion.

“It was a great match and closely fought and I think the Pakistan team even without Shaheen Shah Afridi performed like a champion. Unfortunately we missed the services of a fourth pace bowler,” former Test spinner Iqbal Qasim said.

He said had Pakistan scored 15-20 runs more, they could have won the match.

“Our young pace bowlers specially Naseem Shah and Shahnawaz Dahani bowled brilliantly and with so much heart. It was so inspiring to see Naseem completing his final over despite having severe cramps,” Qasim said.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal praised the all round show of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja noting they were the main difference between the two sides.

“I think they performed very well under pressure. Hardik in particular was fabulous in bowling and batting. He is truly a champion all-rounder now,” Kamran said.

Former pace bowlers Aaqib Javed and Sikander Bakht also praised the performances of Hardik and Bhuvneshwar Kumar saying