‘It pained me a lot’: Naseem Shah reflects on Pakistan’s heartbreaking loss to India in T20 WC

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has shared his thoughts on the team's narrow six-run loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, highlighting the emotional toll the defeat took on him.

Despite his standout bowling figures of 3-21, including the prized wicket of Virat Kohli, Shah found it difficult to reconcile with the result.

Needing 16 runs from the final three deliveries, Pakistan’s chances were slim as Shah took the crease. Though he struck two boundaries, the match had already slipped beyond reach. Speaking to Cricbuzz, he described the emotional aftermath of such high-stakes encounters.

“There are a lot of emotions attached with such matches. I did not expect [the result to turn out how it did]. There are some things that you keep to yourself. A lot had pent-up and a lot of things flashed in front of me at that point,” Shah remarked. “There have been very few moments in life when I have felt the need to have someone who can talk positively to me.”

Shah expressed that his passion for winning makes it hard to find peace in his individual performance when the team falters. “Though I was not being targeted by the fans or the media, one cannot be satisfied and say I did my bit after your team loses. I am a person who wants to win. I get disappointed even when I lose while playing at home or in my street. I play to win and the World Cup exit pained me a lot,” he said.

The fast bowler shared how fans and even relatives have questioned him about the loss, reflecting the collective disappointment. “People come up to me in restaurants and ask me why we lost. Even my relatives have asked about it. I understand their sentiments are driven by social media, and as a player, all I can do is listen to them,” he added.

Despite the frustration, Shah views the setback as fuel for a strong comeback. “There are times when you feel that you cannot put up with it anymore. But, it also burns a desire for a comeback. People had many questions to ask, and there was a lot of frustration in them, which is understandable. Now, we have an opportunity to win the hearts again by playing good cricket,” he concluded.