Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said the national side “got bogged down” in their heavy defeat to India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

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Pakistan were comprehensively beaten by 61 runs in the group-stage clash, a result that triggered widespread criticism of captain Salman Ali Agha and the team management. Akhtar, however, believes the recurring issue against India is more mental than technical.

“Unfortunately, we are losing to India because we get bogged down. There is no other reason,” Akhtar said on Tapmad. “Our team selection is not correct. I don’t even understand what we are doing. Otherwise, we are good enough to beat any team right now.”

Rain halts Super Eight opener

Meanwhile, rain spoiled Pakistan’s opening Super Eight fixture against New Zealand national cricket team at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Persistent showers meant not a single ball was bowled, forcing officials to abandon the match.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and opted to bat, but drizzle soon intensified, covers came on, and puddles formed on the square. Despite waiting through the evening, officials were left with no option but to call off the game.

Tournament playing conditions require a minimum of five overs per side for a result. The cut-off time for a shortened match was 11:10 pm, but the weather never improved. With no reserve days allocated for the Super Eight stage, only for the semifinals and final, the contest was officially marked as ‘no result’.

Pre-match forecasts had already indicated trouble, with heavy evening showers predicted in Colombo. Pakistan had even cancelled training on Friday due to rain, and those concerns proved justified.

Group 2 scenario tightens

The washout leaves both Pakistan and New Zealand with one point each in Group 2, potentially complicating their path to the semifinals. With England and Sri Lanka also in the group, shared points could prove decisive in what is expected to be a tightly fought race.

Pakistan made one change to their XI, bringing in Fakhar Zaman for Khawaja Nafay. New Zealand made three alterations, with captain Mitchell Santner returning after recovering from illness, alongside Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi to bolster their bowling unit.

Pakistan next face England on February 24 and 28, while New Zealand take on Sri Lanka on February 25 before meeting England on February 27. For fans and players alike, the abandoned fixture was a frustrating start to the Super Eight stage.