Kamal Ghorui
Tempers flared on live television after Pakistan’s damaging Super 8 defeat to England national cricket team, as former stars Saqlain Mushtaq and Mohammad Hafeez locked horns over Mohammad Nawaz’s role in the side.The loss has left Pakistan national cricket team on the brink of elimination. To keep their semi-final hopes alive, they must defeat Sri Lanka national cricket team in their final match and hope other results go their way.During a fiery debate on the television programme Game on Hai, the discussion centred on whether Nawaz should be viewed as a genuine all-rounder or primarily a bowler. Saqlain defended the left-hander’s dual abilities, while Hafeez insisted that his main responsibility is with the ball.The exchange quickly grew intense.Saqlain: “He’s a bit of both. You cannot talk about him in that manner.”Hafeez: “What’s his first preference-is he a batter or a bowler?”Saqlain: “I feel he is equally good at batting and bowling.”Hafeez: “Then why not use him at No. 5?”Saqlain: “He has been. In fact, when I was with the Pakistan team, I had him bat at No. 5. He has the potential.”Hafeez: “So, is he a batsman who can bowl? What is his priority? I played for Pakistan as an all-rounder, but my primary job was batting. For Nawaz, it is bowling. If he cannot do that, he doesn’t belong in the side.”The on-air clash came at the end of a disappointing stretch for Pakistan. Their earlier fixture against New Zealand national cricket team was washed out, making the England encounter a must-win contest.Instead, England skipper Harry Brook produced a stunning counterattack. Walking in with his side struggling at 58 for 4, Brook hammered a breathtaking 51-ball century to guide England past the 165-run target and seal a dramatic two-wicket win.That result confirmed England’s passage to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. They have now won all five matches played in Pallekele over the past three and a half weeks and will conclude their Super 8 campaign in Colombo against New Zealand on Friday.
