Pakistan vs England: Waqar Highlights Missed Opportunities

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Waqar Younis believes Pakistan let a winnable contest slip away as Harry Brook's century carried England cricket team into a fifth successive T20 World Cup semi-final in Pallekele.
While Brook's 100 will dominate the headlines, Waqar's analysis placed Pakistan's shortcomings under the spotlight.

Pakistan posted 164, but Waqar argued that the total fell short on a surface that demanded slightly more ambition.

"In the first innings, Pakistan didn't score enough. On this pitch, they needed another 15-20 runs. A total of 175-180 would have been par. Then (Harry) Brook came in at number three and took complete control. It was chanceless batting, he was superb. He single-handedly took the game away from Pakistan.

"Pakistan bowled well in phases. Shaheen was outstanding, but the middle overs were where they lost the plot. The spinners couldn't create impact and conceded too many twos. Full credit to England. Their skipper led from the front, and they thoroughly deserve their semi-final spot."

The margins were fine. Pakistan began well with the bat but could not accelerate at the death, a recurring theme in high-pressure games.

Pakistan Misses a Winnable T20 World Cup Match

Waqar identified the middle overs as the decisive phase, where control slipped.

"Pakistan allowed easy runs in the field. When they had control, they looked sharp. But once the pressure eased, their intensity dropped. That's where they missed the trick. In the first innings, 175-180 was achievable. It was there for the taking. England bowled well, but Pakistan didn't help themselves, particularly in the field."

The inability of the spinners to create sustained pressure allowed Brook to rotate strike freely, turning singles into twos and keeping the chase firmly on track.

Shaheen Afridi Shines Despite Pakistan Loss

There was, however, praise for Shaheen Afridi, who struck early and maintained control.

"Shaheen bowled beautifully. His control of length was impressive. He wasn't searching for swing but focused on hitting the right areas and angling the ball across the right-handers. He picked up key wickets, which is what he is known for. It was a quality spell, and one he can build on.

"It's not over for Pakistan yet. In the Super 8 stage, net run-rate and other results come into play. If outcomes go their way and they get another opportunity, anything can happen," he concluded.

Ultimately, though, Pakistan's defeat was not about one innings alone. It was about a total that fell just short, middle overs that lacked bite, and moments in the field where intensity dipped.

Against top opposition in a World Cup knockout race, those small lapses do not stay small for long.