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'It's Unfair'- Mickey Arthur Warns Against Blaming Babar Azam For WC Flop Show

image-lo9ju4bfA dejected Pakistan team after their loss in Chennai. (AP)

Pakistan's team director Mickey Arthur has cautioned against singling out his team, particularly skipper Babar Azam and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, for a "witch-hunt" following their likely fatal blow to their World Cup aspirations after the defeat against South Africa.

In a forgettable day for Pakistan, South Africa secured a thrilling one-wicket win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Pakistan, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, were dismissed for 270 runs in 46.4 overs. South Africa achieved the target in 47.2 overs, although not without a scare from Pakistan.

This loss was a painful setback for Babar Azam's side, severely jeopardizing their chances of making it to the final four.

During the post-match press conference, Arthur acknowledged his team's underwhelming performance in the first innings and expressed concern about the lack of "form players" in their batting lineup.

“I don't think we've batted well enough yet as a unit. Tonight, I thought was our best bowling performance of the competition. We haven't put the perfect game together yet. Hasn't been for lack of effort, hasn't been for lack of trying, but we just haven't got enough players in form at the minute, particularly with the bat,”  said Mickey Arthur in the press-conference.

As a result of four consecutive losses, the pressure is mounting on captain Babar Azam, and there are doubts about his leadership role within the team, as the PCB explores alternative options. On this matter, Arthur commented:

“They're going to be blaming everybody, don't worry. It's just the way of the world. Yeah, look, it's unfair. It's really unfair to start a witch hunt, certainly on Babar Azam, on Inzamam ul-Haq, on our coaches, on the management team. If they would see that the amount of effort that the players and staff put in, they would be amazed,”  Arthur added.

Despite a string of losses, Pakistan's chances of qualification are all but over. However, from a mathematical perspective, they are still in contention. To secure a semi-final spot, they must win their remaining three matches and hope for favorable results in other matches.