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Russell's spell was the turning point - Sarfaraz Ahmed - chairman - 05-31-2019
Andre Russell's spell broke Pakistan's back, and that was the "turning point" of the match, according to Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. Pakistan sank to an embarrassing defeat in their World Cup 2019 opener, shot out for 105 in 21.4 overs, with West Indies chasing down the target in just 13.4 overs.
"Pressure was built when we lost our first wicket in the fourth over," Sarfaraz said. "His [Russell's] spell was the turning point. He took two wickets and that put us on the backfoot (immediately)."
Russell got Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail inside the first ten overs, in a spell that read 3-1-4-2. That sparked a collapse which Oshane Thomas completed with 4 for 27. Chris Gayle then led the way as West Indies hammered the target in about an hour's worth of play. Sarfaraz said his players needed to erase the debacle from their minds and start afresh for the rest of the tournament.
Russell's spell was the turning point - Sarfaraz Ahmed - chairman - 05-31-2019