Iftikhar Blames Rauf for India T20 World Cup Loss In 2022

The scars from Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup 2022 have not faded. And certainly not for Iftikhar Ahmed.

In the podcast, Iftikhar Ahmed spoke openly about his frustration. He looked back at the final overs at the MCG and blamed Haris Rauf’s over for the loss.

“I kept telling him, bowl a yorker,” Iftikhar said. “But he has his own mind.”

The Over That Changed Everything

Pakistan scored 159 for 8. Shan Masood made 52 to hold the innings together. Iftikhar hit 51 off 34 balls, including four sixes. When Pakistan reached 159, many felt the total would be enough.

India stumbled early, the chase wobbled. Then came the 18th over.

With 31 needed from 12 balls, Rauf started brilliantly. Three runs off four deliveries. He was in control and following discipline. You could sense India tightening up. And then it flipped.

Virat Kohli struck two towering sixes. Gasps echoed around the stadium. That one moment flipped everything. Suddenly, 16 were needed from the final over. Pakistan never recovered from there.

“Man of the Match Would’ve Been Mine”

During the Iftikhar Ahmed podcast interview, he admitted he felt the award had slipped through his fingers along with the game.

“Man of the match against India, it would have been special,” he said. You could see the disappointment written on his face, even now.

Kohli finished unbeaten on 82 from 53 balls. Hardik Pandya chipped in with 40. India sealed it off in the last delivery.

Few saw that ending coming when Pakistan controlled the contest deep into the chase. But cricket can be ruthless. 

For Iftikhar, the Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup 2022 remains personal. And his words have reopened a debate many thought was settled.