Islamabad: Fans slammed Pakistan after a 76-run defeat to arch-rivals India in their opening World Cup match in Adelaide on Sunday, claiming their beloved team can't bat, bowl or field.
Cricket fans in Pakistan lost their temper and angry Pakistani fans protested in Karachi smashing TV sets on the streets. They shouted angry slogans against Pakistani players blaming the cricket team for performing poorly and failing to break its losing streak against India at the World Cup. "This time we were really hoping for Pakistan to win. We don't want to watch this anymore," a protester said.
Millions of Pakistanis across the country watched the match at home and in restaurants which had installed giant TV screens, but the defeat -- the sixth in six World Cup meetings -- frustrated them. "I had huge excitement to watch this match which Pakistan has lost," said Farhat Irshad, 22 who came to watch the match in a restaurant in the capital Islamabad where up to 200 fans had gathered.
Irshad said she had a bet with her friends on a Pakistan win which she lost. "Now I will have to arrange a party for them (her friends). I am really saddened but, whatever happens, we love our cricket team," Irshad added.
The defending champions made 300 for seven from their 50 overs after electing to bat. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 224 with skipper Misbah-ul-Haq top scoring with 76. Another Islamabad native, Tahir Qureshi, 32, blamed everything for defeat. "Poor bowling, poor fielding and poor batting," Qureshi said.
