The only loss for the Indian National Cricket Team came against England. Though it didn’t hurt the chances of the Virat Kohli-led side to reach the semifinal of the tournament, it certainly made an impact on the chances for Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur sheds light on it.
Pakistan has relied their hopes on the Indian team, who enjoyed great success in the tournament so far. They supported India to beat England, which would certainly make Pakistan way clear to head into Semifinals. Unfortunately, England got better off India, which didn’t help Pakistan.
Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-final have taken a massive blow after India’s loss to England. They now have to beat Bangladesh and hope New Zealand beat England. If England beat New Zealand on June 5, Pakistan’s chances are all but over as the Black Caps will have a better net run rate than Pakistan.
Indian bowlers were taken to the cleaners by English batsman at Edgbaston as hosts registered a mammoth target of 338 runs in 50 overs. In reply, India only managed 306 for five to lose the marquee clash by 31 runs.
I was following the game intently – Mickey Arthur
Speaking about India’s first defeat at the hands of England in the showpiece event, the Pakistan coach cut a frustrated figure and said an England loss could’ve opened the gates for Pakistan.
“How they (India) played, again that’s the issue which we can’t control,” Arthur told reporters. “Obviously, I was following the game intently and was disappointed that India did not get up because that would have opened the door for us,” he added.
I hope New Zealand do it for us:
The head coach hopes the New Zealand cricket team would help Pakistan team in this regard. He wants Kane Williamson-led side to get better off England team, which gives a real opportunity for Pakistan to enter into the final 4.
“Now all we want is to get to Friday with a real opportunity and our destiny in our own hands,” Arthur said. “I just hope New Zealand get it done for us,” he added as per Times Now.
Well, it would be interesting to see how things would turn out for Pakistan. The game between England and New Zealand is going to be an intriguing clash in the world cup.