Babar also stressed that every player's inclusion in the squad was based on their performance and potential, rather than any external factors
31 May, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan's cricket team succumbed to a series defeat against England, losing the final T20I by seven wickets.
England chased down a target of 158 runs in just 15.3 overs, sealing the series 2-0 after the first and third T20Is were washed out due to rain.
Speaking in the post-match presser, captain Babar Azam expressed his disappointment and emphasized the need for improvement as the team heads into the T20 World Cup.
"It is disappointing to lose the series," Babar lamented.
"We needed to win the series to go into the T20 World Cup with high spirits. The World Cup is a completely different game; we will deliver better results in it," he further added.
Pakistan started the match in a promising manner. They appeared in control as they reached 59-1 by the end of the sixth over. However, Babar's dismissal on the last ball of the sixth over, followed by Mohammad Rizwan's wicket in the next over, put the team under pressure.
"Undoubtedly, the batsmen were not responsible in the middle overs and lost wickets. Due to the successive fall of wickets, we couldn't achieve a big score," Babar admitted.
Pakistan continued to lose wickets regularly, with key players like Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, and Shadab Khan failing to make significant contributions. Usman Khan, who replaced Saim Ayub in the playing XI, scored a crucial 38 runs off 21 balls, while Iftikhar Ahmed added 21 runs. Naseem Shah chipped in with 16 runs down the order, but Pakistan's innings ended at 157 in 19.5 overs.
"The bowlers also didn't bowl well and conceded too many runs," Babar added, reflecting on the performance of his team.
Babar also stressed that every player's inclusion in the squad was based on their performance and potential, rather than any external factors,
"All selections, including Azam Khan, were made on merit. Questions arise after a defeat," Babar said.
"Undoubtedly, the players will have to play modern cricket. To win, we will also have to increase the strike rate," he further added.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Babar emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions and taking responsibility.
"We are not familiar with the conditions in the USA, but we are well aware of the conditions in the West Indies. All players know their roles; in the World Cup, all players will have to take responsibility. To get back on the winning track, we will have to play modern cricket," he concluded.
The series defeat has put Pakistan in a reflective mood as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with hopes of delivering better performances on the global stage.
