![Shoaib Akhtar and Mohsin Naqvi with Pakistan team [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771733699259_ShoaibAkhtarandMohsinNaqviwithPakistanteam.jpg?type=hq)
Shoaib Akhtar and Mohsin Naqvi with Pakistan team [Source: X]
Shoaib Akhtar, the “Rawalpindi Express” and one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game, has never been one to hold back on his opinions. The fiery commentator, who led the pace attack of the Pakistani team with his aggressive style, continues to wear his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his country’s cricketing fortunes.
In the current ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, being staged jointly by India and Sri Lanka, Akhtar’s calm reached a boiling point as the team ran into the usual roadblock in their tournament. His latest outburst, in an interview with the Pakistani media, has sparked a new controversy regarding the team’s mindset and semi-final chances.
Pakistan’s Loss Against India in T20 World Cup 2026
The marquee match on February 15 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium turned out to be the talking point of the tournament so far. Defending champions scored a comprehensive 175/7, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s blistering 77 off just 40 deliveries.
PCB’s decision to send six spinners was an interesting one, but the batting lineup collapsed miserably. Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a golden duck, Saim Ayub could muster only 6, and the rest of the lineup made no impression at all.
Pakistan was bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, suffering a 61-run defeat. It was India’s eighth victory in nine T20 World Cup encounters against their arch-rivals.
The defeat has again highlighted their vulnerability to quality fast bowling and the mental hold they seem to have against the Men in Blue. It was also questioned whether the Men in Green were once again “bogged down” by the occasion.
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Shoaib Akhtar Fires Warning Against Other Teams
Shoaib Akhtar, never one to point out the problem without also pointing out the system that perpetuates it, homed in on what he believes is the actual problem. Speaking just days after the defeat in India, he refused to accept the defeatist talk about the prospects of Pakistan.
“We are losing only because we are feeling bogged down against India; there is no other reason. Our team selection hasn’t changed, I don’t know what we are doing. We are a good enough team to beat any side right now. If you say that Pakistan will not qualify for the semi-final, I am not ready to accept that,” Shoaib Akhtar declared.
How Pakistan Have Performed So Far in the Group Stage
However, as marked by Shoaib Akhtar, the disappointment in India aside, Agha's men's group stage performance was otherwise outstanding, finishing second in Group A with 6 points, marking 3 wins, 1 loss, and a NRR of +0.976.
They began with a tense 3-wicket win over the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. Chasing 148, Farhan top-scored with 47 off 31 while all-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s scintillating 29* off 11 balls clinched the win with three balls to spare.
In the USA match on February 10, Pakistan scored 190/9. Farhan blasted 73 off 41, Babar Azam contributed 46 off 32, and Shadab Khan smashed 30 off 12. Usman Tariq’s mystery spin (3/27) and Shadab’s 2/26 held USA to 158/8 for a 32-run win.
The Namibia match on February 18 was a statement. Choosing to bat, the Salman Agha-led piled up 199/3, their second-highest score in T20 World Cup history. Farhan’s first T20I century held the innings together, while captain Salman Ali Agha scored 38. The bowlers then tore Namibia apart for 97, with Tariq taking 4/16 and Shadab 3/19 in a crushing 102-run victory.
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