T20 World Cup 2022: A lot of things went in their favour – Shan Masood on team’s defeat to India

Pakistan batter Shan Masood reckons a lot of things went in India’s favour while reflecting on their four-wicket loss in their tournament’s opening match of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan was in the driver’s seat as India needed 28 runs off the last eight balls.

However, Virat Kohli was able to turn the tables as he scored two consecutive sixes against Haris Rauf on the last two balls of the penultimate over. Kohli scored an unbeaten knock of 82 runs off just 53 balls to help India get over the line in the run chase.

16 runs were needed off the final over and Kohli and Co. pulled off the miracle. Shan Masood reckons the team didn’t capitalize on the crucial moment and they had to pay the price.

“We didn’t capitalize on crucial moments. We lost in the final ball against India. At one stage we thought we would win when India required 28 runs in 8 balls.

“A lot of things went in India’s favour. They won the toss, the batting conditions became better when they came to bat. But overall, we played well.” Masood said.

On the other hand, Pakistan was stunned by Zimbabwe in their second match of the tournament by one run. The Men in Green could not chase 131 against the Craig Ervine-led team.

“We made mistakes against Zimbabwe. We didn’t bowl well in Powerplay. We had Zimbabwe on 96/7, but let them go till 130. We also didn’t bat well in the Powerplay but Shadab and I covered it. We should have won us the game. Even after that, we only needed 3 runs in 3 balls

“We could have won 4 out of 4 matches if we had capitalized on such situations. Yes, we have to be consistent, but this is a team game. In all games, someone or the other has performed,” the middle-order batter said.

Pakistan was almost out of the T20 World Cup but the Netherlands stunned South Africa by 13 runs, giving them another chance. Pakistan has to chase 128 runs against Bangladesh to qualify for the semifinals.