Babar Azam opens up after upset defeat to USA in T20 World Cup opener

Pakistan's white-ball skipper Babar Azam has opened up after a disappointing start to their T20 World Cup campaign. The team suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of co-hosts USA. 

During the post-match conference, Babar reflected on the team's performance, highlighting key areas where they fell short.

"In the first 6 overs with the bat, we didn't capitalize properly. We built some momentum after that but lost back-to-back wickets. In the middle overs, as a batsman, you have to step up and build a partnership. There was a little bit of moisture on the pitch (early on), and it was a bit two-paced, but this is not an excuse. As a professional, you need to assess the conditions. In the first six overs, I didn't capitalize properly," Babar said.

The 29-year-old also pointed out the team's struggle with the ball in the early stages.

"We weren't up to the mark with the ball in the first six overs. As usual, we aren't taking wickets in the first 6 overs and then in the middle, your spinner is not taking wickets, so this cost us. In the end, we came back but couldn't finish well," he concluded.

In their T20 World Cup opener, Pakistan, batting first, set a target of 160 runs, which the USA equalized on the final ball, ending their innings at 159-3.

During the Super Over, the USA faced Mohammad Amir from Pakistan and scored 18-1. In response, Pakistan fell short, scoring only 13-1, thus losing the match by five runs.

The USA approached their innings with caution. Captain Monank Patel led the charge, scoring 50 runs before being dismissed by Mohammad Amir. As the game reached its climax, the USA needed 21 runs from the last 12 balls. Amir bowled an impressive over, conceding just six runs, leaving 15 runs to be defended in the final over.

Haris Rauf took over for the last over, but the situation turned against him. After being hit for a six on his fourth ball, the USA needed six runs from the last two balls. On the final delivery, with five runs required, Nitish Kumar hit a four, leveling the scores.