London: Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur has revealed that he “wanted to commit suicide” after the team’s defeat to India at the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019.

On June 16, the Virat Kohli-led Indian side defeated Pakistan by 89 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method to extend their domination over their arch rivals in the World Cup. It was India’s seventh straight victory in World Cup history. They are unbeaten against Pakistan at the ICC global 50-over event.

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Following that humiliation at Old Trafford ground in Manchester, Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and his teammates faced a severe backlash from fans, in England and back home. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar had slammed skipper Sarfaraz for his “brainless captaincy” against India. Thanks to Rohit Sharma's fine century, India had posted 336/5 and they kept the opposition to 212/6 in the rain-hit contest.

But things have changed for Pakistan in the matter of one week. After last Sunday’s defeat to India, Pakistan are in high spirits after winning against South Africa at Lord’s this Sunday (June 23).

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Coach Arthur too is happy with his boys’ performance which put the Faf du Plessis-led South Africa out of the 10-team tournament. "We are very firmly in the World Cup. We win our next three games, we'll qualify (for semi-finals). So we know that," he said.

“Last Sunday I wanted to commit suicide, but it was — you know, it's only one performance. We always keep telling our players, it's one performance. Who is going to stimulate us today?,” Arthur told reporters after the team’s 49-run win against South Africa.

Arthur, who has previously coached South Africa, said it was “sad” to see the team eliminated from World Cup 2019.

“Well, let me say, I watch South Africa with a real fondness. South Africa are my second team without a doubt, and it is sad for me. It's sad, and I don't think it's a team just — I listened to Faf's (du Plessis) press conference, and it's a team that's just a little bit short on confidence. Every team goes through that.

“I think now is a time to just try and get behind those boys. They are trying incredibly hard. I know what they are going through. I had a quick chat to Gibbo (coach Ottis Gibson) after the game. It's tough. It's really tough where they are. They will be going to training every day hurting like any other team hurts, and trying to get it right. But I do; I watch them with a lot of interest, and I do feel deeply disappointed for them at the moment,” the coach said.