WEB DESK: USA leg-spinner Mohammad Mohsin stated on Monday that “pressure is on Pakistan” as the teams prepare to clash in the T20 World Cup, two years after the USA stunned the former champions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s fast bowler Salman Mirza dismissed concerns about their super-over loss to the USA in 2024, insisting it’s part of the past as they head into Tuesday’s rematch in Colombo.
The USA showed early promise in their opener against India, reducing them to 77-6 in Mumbai, though they fell short by 29 runs. Mohsin, who debuted with a key wicket, remains optimistic about repeating their 2024 upset in this pivotal Group A match.
“The memory of that game will pressure Pakistan,” said Mohsin, who grew up playing cricket in Pakistan before moving to the US five years ago. He expressed belief in his team’s progress, noting, “We’re more skilled and confident now.”
Mirza, on the other hand, affirmed Pakistan has mentally moved past that defeat. “Wins and losses are part of cricket. That loss is history,” he stated.
Pakistan, the 2009 champions, barely avoided another shock defeat in their opener against the Netherlands, scraping through in the last overs thanks to Faheem Ashraf’s late hitting. Any further missteps could endanger their qualification for the Super Eight stage, requiring a top-two finish in Group A.
Highlighting the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, Mirza warned against underestimating lower-ranked teams. “Smaller teams are constantly challenging expectations; every game has been closely fought so far,” said Mirza after his strong 3-24 spell against the Dutch.
Pakistan may also adjust their squad, with veteran batter Fakhar Zaman possibly replacing Babar Azam, whose strike rate has drawn criticism.
