Before the highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and India in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Pakistani captain Babar Azam was acutely aware of the one-sided history that had plagued his team in past encounters. Confidently, he declared that every series must end at some point, suggesting that this could be the moment for Pakistan to rewrite history. However, the reality that unfolded on the pitch was far from the narrative Babar and his team had hoped to create.
A Record of Caution and Fear
Pakistan’s batting approach in this crucial match seemed to be haunted by past failures rather than inspired by the possibility of future success. The team’s top-order batting, especially in the first powerplay, reflected a defensive mindset that set the tone for the entire inning. In over 1,000 balls faced in recent first powerplays, Pakistan’s top order had not hit a single six—a telling statistic that highlighted their reluctance to take risks.
On the Ahmedabad pitch, which neither offered the run-fest of Hyderabad nor the spin-friendly conditions of Delhi, Pakistan’s batsmen had an opportunity to capitalize on a lack of seam, swing, or spin. The first powerplay in ODI cricket is traditionally a time for batsmen to exploit fielding restrictions and build a strong foundation. However, the Pakistani openers seemed more intent on survival than scoring, exhibiting a cautious approach that ultimately stifled their momentum.
A defensive strategy gone wrong
The Pakistani top order’s strategy was clear: preserve wickets at all costs and leave the attacking play to the middle and lower orders. This conservative approach might have worked on a different pitch or against a less disciplined bowling attack, but against India’s world-class lineup, it was a recipe for disaster.
Bumrah, with his exceptional discipline, kept the Pakistani openers in check, but the lack of aggression from Pakistan’s side was just as detrimental. Saving wickets was prioritized over scoring, and the burden was shifted to the middle order to accelerate in the second and third powerplays. However, as the innings progressed, it became evident that this plan was deeply flawed.
Even as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan tried to build a partnership, their cautious batting raised concerns about the run rate. Kuldeep Yadav, one of India’s key bowlers, later remarked that the Pakistani batsmen seemed content merely to survive rather than push for runs. This defensive mindset left Pakistan with too much to do in the latter stages of the innings, especially as the pitch conditions deteriorated.
Rohit Sharma’s Tactical Brilliance
As the match progressed, Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s strategic acumen came to the forefront. Recognizing the need to disrupt Pakistan’s slowly building partnership, Rohit reintroduced Mohammad Siraj into the attack. Siraj, with his cross-seam deliveries and clever variations in pace, found a way through Babar Azam’s defenses. The breakthrough was quickly followed by a relentless assault from Bumrah, who exploited the old ball’s reverse swing to devastating effect.
What followed was a collapse that Pakistan had no answer for. The middle order, burdened with the responsibility of accelerating the innings, crumbled under the pressure. The plan to launch an all-out attack in the last 20 overs fell apart as the pitch, now more conducive to the bowlers, made it impossible to play long shots with any consistency.
Missed Opportunities and a Defeat to Reflect On
Had the Pakistani top order played with a more positive approach from the outset, the outcome might have been different. By allowing the new ball to dictate their play, they missed the opportunity to set a competitive total that could have challenged India’s batting depth. Instead, they left themselves with too much to do in the final overs, a challenge that even experienced players like Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz could not overcome.
The result was a comprehensive defeat that not only extended Pakistan’s winless streak against India in World Cup matches but also exposed the team’s vulnerabilities. While India was always the favorite, few could have anticipated the ease with which they dismantled Pakistan. The loss was not just about the superiority of the Indian team but also about Pakistan’s failure to rise to the occasion.
A Reflection on Leadership and Strategy
Before the match, Babar Azam’s words hinted at a desire to break free from the shadows of history. However, the performance on the field told a different story. The Pakistani team, under his leadership, seemed to be weighed down by the very history they sought to overcome. Their cautious approach, lack of aggression, and failure to adapt to the conditions were all contributing factors to a defeat that will be remembered for its lack of fight.
This match serves as a stark reminder that cricket, like all sports, rewards those who are willing to take risks and play with intent. Pakistan’s cautious approach in the face of a formidable opponent was ultimately their undoing. As they look ahead to future challenges, the lessons from this defeat must be heeded: the importance of a positive mindset, the need for strategic flexibility, and the value of playing with the belief that history is there to be rewritten, not feared.
In conclusion, Babar Azam’s pre-match optimism about ending the one-sided history against India was admirable, but it needed to be backed by a performance that reflected that belief. Instead, Pakistan’s approach was a defensive one, lacking the aggression and intent needed to challenge a team as strong as India. The defeat, while painful, offers valuable lessons for the future—lessons that must be learned if Pakistan is to change the narrative in their cricketing rivalry with India.