Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam has admitted his mistakes and the team’s shortcomings after his side’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign got off with a surprising loss to the USA. The Green Shirts fell short by five runs in a thrilling Super Over finish at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
The game ended with both teams tied at 159 in their 20 overs. In the Super Over, Mohammad Amir bowled first for Pakistan, but the USA managed to score 18-1. In response, Pakistan could only muster 13-1, handing the USA a historic win.
In the post-match presentation, Babar Azam didn’t hold back. “We failed to capitalize in the first six overs. Back-to-back wickets always put you on the back foot. As a batter, you need to step up and build partnerships,” he admitted.
Babar noted that the team had a challenging start but managed to stage a comeback. However, they lost momentum again with quick dismissals. “My partnership with Shadab was promising, but then two wickets fell, and we lost momentum again,” he explained.
Babar emphasized the need for improvement in the middle order and bowling. “Our score was adequate for this pitch, but we need to enhance our bowling,” he said.
He pointed out that the bowlers didn’t perform well in the first six overs and stressed the importance of improving for upcoming matches. “Our spinners did not take wickets in the middle overs, so these things cost us,” Babar noted.
He also praised the USA team’s superior performance, acknowledging they outplayed Pakistan in all departments. The pitch conditions were tricky, too. “Little bit of moisture in the pitch, it was also two-paced. As a professional, you need to assess the conditions,” he explained.
Former captain Shahid Afridi also weighed in on the loss. He criticized the decision to have Iftikhar face the first ball of the Super Over instead of Fakhar.
“The left-arm fast bowler would have suited Fakhar because of the angle of the bowling. I don’t know who told Iftikhar to face the left-armer,” Afridi said on his YouTube channel.
Despite this setback, there’s still a long way to go in the tournament. Babar’s reflections and Afridi’s insights highlight the areas for improvement. The team has the potential to bounce back stronger. Let’s continue supporting our boys and hope for better performances in the upcoming matches.
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