Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah had won the hearts of millions of fans during the high-octane clash against India in the 19th match of the T20 World Cup at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York on Sunday.
Shah had proved his mettle in the breathtaking clash against the Rohit Sharma-led time, during which the 21-year-old took three wickets and compiled an unbeaten 4-ball 10, hitting two fours.
As Shah and his teammates could not manage to sweep past India, the former burst into tears, but he was comforted by Shaheen Shah Afridi. In one of the photos, Rohit Sharma also extended warmly gesture to Shah.
Yesterday’s high-stakes clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, held in New York, ended in disappointment for the Pakistani side. The team’s performance was marred by a string of failures from key players. Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, both of whom enjoyed substantial backing from the cricket board, fell short of expectations.
Iftikhar Ahmed, touted as the team’s finisher, failed to deliver, while the once-reliable opening duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan also struggled.
In a match that will be remembered for Pakistan’s lackluster display, Naseem Shah emerged as the sole beacon of hope. The young fast bowler not only delivered an exceptional spell but also made a significant impact with the bat, fighting valiantly till the end.
His efforts, however, were not enough to stave off another humiliating defeat on the international stage, leaving Naseem in tears.
The Indian players, recognizing Naseem’s commendable performance, extended their appreciation, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by the cricketing fraternity. Social media platforms were abuzz with messages of support for Naseem, acknowledging his dedication and resilience amidst the team’s broader struggles.
Cricket fans, though disheartened by the overall performance of the team, rallied behind Naseem Shah. The young pacer’s determination and fighting spirit have made him a standout figure in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Pakistan.