The air was electric. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium was a sea of blue and green, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed like Pakistan was ready to challenge India's dominance. A blistering start had set the stage for a commanding total, but what followed was a collapse so perplexing it left fans and former players alike scratching their heads. The question on everyone's mind: Did Pakistan’s middle order just give up?

The Blazing Start and Sudden Halt

The initial phase of Pakistan's innings was nothing short of brilliant. The openers came out with a clear intent, hitting boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. At 91 for 1, the momentum was firmly with Pakistan. A score of 200-plus seemed not just possible, but highly probable. However, as the middle overs began, the script flipped dramatically. The flow of runs dried up, and a team that was once in a hurry to score suddenly appeared hesitant and timid.

Between overs 11 and 16, the boundaries vanished. It was a period of inexplicable stagnation, where singles and doubles were the only currency. This was the point where the match was effectively lost. The pressure mounted with every dot ball, and instead of taking calculated risks, the batsmen seemed content to simply survive. This passive approach allowed India’s bowlers to tighten their grip, forcing errors and building an unassailable advantage.

Rashid Latif's Scathing Critique

Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif didn’t hold back in his assessment. His frustration echoed the sentiments of millions of fans. "Why didn’t they try to attack in the middle overs?" he questioned, highlighting the lack of intent that was so glaringly obvious. In modern T20 cricket, there's no room for such a defensive mindset, especially after a great start. The middle overs are crucial for consolidating and accelerating, not for playing out maidens. Latif’s comments underline a fundamental issue with Pakistan’s batting strategy—a fear of failure that leads to a cautious approach at the most critical junctures.

A Mockery of the Chase

While Pakistan’s innings fizzled out at a meager 171, India's response was a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill made a mockery of the chase with a record-breaking 105-run opening stand. Their partnership was a stark contrast to what we had just witnessed. They were fearless, innovative, and relentless in their pursuit of boundaries. Sharma’s explosive 74 off 39 balls and Gill’s elegant 47 off 28 showcased the kind of batting intent that was so conspicuously absent from Pakistan’s middle order. They dismantled the bowling attack and finished the game with plenty of overs to spare, leaving no doubt about which team was better prepared for the high-stakes encounter.

The Most Frustrating Collapse?

In a long history of India-Pakistan clashes, this collapse will be remembered for its sheer predictability and timidity. It wasn't a case of brilliant bowling; it was a self-inflicted wound caused by a lack of positive intent. This wasn't a sudden implosion under pressure, but a slow, painful surrender. It was arguably one of the most frustrating collapses in recent memory, leaving fans with a bitter sense of "what if?" Had the middle order simply maintained the momentum and showed some courage, the outcome could have been drastically different. This match serves as a painful reminder that in cricket, and especially in the high-octane world of T20s, a defensive mindset is a recipe for disaster.