Watch: Naseem Shah was left in tears after Pakistan stumbled in a low-scoring thriller against India, losing by six runs in a last-ball finish in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
No.9 Naseem was on strike when Pakistan needed 12 off the last two balls, having squandered an advantageous position to need 18 off the final over. A Naseem scoop off the fourth ball had kept them in the hunt.
The penultimate ball, by Arshdeep Singh, was delivered wide of off and Naseem gave it a hard whack, but it wasn't enough for the big side of the boundary. The shot escaped a diving Virat Kohli but fell short of the ropes, going for a four and mathematically ruling Pakistan out, barring an illegitmate final delivery.
The final ball was a low full-toss and Naseem could only dig it out, sparking celebration among the Indian fielders. As Rohit Sharma & Co celebrated, Naseem trudged back teary-eyed, with teammate Shaheen Afridi's arm around his shoulder, consoling him. Rohit was seen walking up to Naseem and giving him a pat of consolation as well.
In the past, Naseem has starred in 20th-over wins: he famously hit two sixes against Afghanistan to take Pakistan to the final of the 2022 Asia Cup.
Naseem Shah has more game awareness than our "finishers". Good Try lad 👏🏻💚#IndvsPak pic.twitter.com/WtPCo6pR1j
— عاقد (@aquidtweets) June 9, 2024
Naseem was also the star with the ball in the India innings, taking 3-21 – including wickets of Virat Kohli, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube – to help restrict India to 119.
In reply, Pakistan looked on course at 73-2 in the 13th over, before losing their way and finishing on 113-7.
Last week, Pakistan lost to USA; the India defeat has now left them needing wins against Ireland and Canada at the very least, and other results to go their way to stand a chance of qualifying.
Watch Naseem Shah leave the ground in tears:
Naseem Shah is in tears after losing to India. It’s not his fault because he gave 100%. I must say, shame on Mohsin Naqvi.
— Hina Zainab (@hina98_hina) June 9, 2024
#PakvsInd pic.twitter.com/Hp2pjaYCUb