news

Bismah promises to bounce back after third-place finish

Pakistan skipper disappointed not to make final; is looking forward to address shortcomings

Bismah promises to bounce back after third-place finish Photo Courtesy: ACC

Pakistan finished third in the Women’s Asia Cup after losing to India in a must-win encounter and despite not being able to make it to the final, captain Bismah Maroof is proud of her team and has already started looking to the future.

Pakistan clashed with India in a crucial encounter where the winner was to progress to the final, but a dismal showing by Pakistan allowed India to dominate proceedings and defeat Pakistan by seven wickets to secure their place in the final.

While Bangladesh were able to beat India in the final to claim their maiden Women’s Asia Cup, Bismah is already thinking about the future and has already identified the weak areas which Pakistan need to improve upon.

“I am really proud of the way we played the tournament. Our batting was not up to the mark like it was in the previous matches. Our batters, including me, were unable to perform well because had we put up a score of over 120 runs, we would have been able to defend much better,” said Bismah.

“India’s bowlers were good and they completely crushed our batting line-up. Our bowlers did better than out batters; they took some early wickets but then were not able to restrict them as the target was too low,” she added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Women's chief selector Jalaluddin was content with what he saw on show from Pakistan.

“When we lose to India it seems as if it is the end of the world because that is how big that game always is, but we should not forget the achievements of this team and how brilliantly they played the entire tournament,” he said.

Jalauddin also went on to praise the performances of the bowlers, especially Nida Dar, who became the first Pakistani woman to take five wickets in a single T20I against Sri Lanka.

 “The girls did well by beating teams by big margins and that cannot go unnoticed. Our batters and bowlers were outstanding, especially Nida, who set a new record and that is an achievement on its own,” he said.