Babar Azam highlights shortcomings after Pakistan’s shock loss against USA

DALLAS: Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam opened up after Pakistan’s upset defeat against the United States of America (USA) in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan endured a five-run defeat against the co-hosts in the Super Over as they failed to chase down the 19-run target.

Senior pacer Mohammad Amir bowled the Super Over for Pakistan and conceded 18 runs. In response, the Green Shirts only managed 13/1.

Speaking after his side’s shocking defeat, Pakistan captain Babar Azam asserted that the team lacked intent in the batting powerplay.

“In the first six overs, we didn’t capitalise. Back-to-back wickets always put you on the back foot, as a batter you need to step up and build partnerships,” stated Babar.

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The Pakistan captain also blamed the spinners for providing the team breakthroughs in the middle overs.

“We were not up to the mark in the first 6 overs with the ball. Our spinners also did not take wickets in the middle overs so these things cost us,” he added.

“All credit to the USA, they played better than us in all three departments. Little bit of moisture in the pitch, it was also two-paced. As a professional you need to assess the conditions,” he concluded.

The narrow victory left Pakistan in a tough situation as the former champions now need to win all their remaining group-stage fixtures to qualify for the Super 8s.

Pakistan next face arch-rivals India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub.

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