Pakistan weren’t good as a team: Babar Azam on early exit

T20 World Cup 2024: After a disastrous group exit, captain Babar Azam admitted that Pakistan were not good as a team throughout the tournament. Pakistan ended their campaign with two wins and two losses in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan weren’t good as a team: Babar Azam on early T20 World Cup exit (AP Photo)

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 17, 2024 00:35 IST

In the aftermath of Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, captain Babar Azam expressed his disappointment over the team’s performance, particularly highlighting their inability to capitalize on early opportunities and finish strong. Despite a valiant fight in their final group-stage match against Ireland, Babar acknowledged that the team fell short in critical areas. Babar’s reflections came after a thrilling, yet inconsequential, three-wicket victory over Ireland on Sunday. The match did not impact the tournament’s outcome, as both Pakistan and Ireland had already been eliminated, paving the way for India and the USA to advance from Group A into the Super Eight.

“Overall, we finished well, but we missed key chances after taking early wickets,” Babar said, pinpointing where the team faltered. “With the bat, we didn’t finish quite well and had to rely on the tailenders. Our bowling was good, but a few mistakes with the bat in some games hurt us.” Despite some strong individual performances, Babar emphasized the collective shortcomings. He took responsibility for his role, expressing his willingness to adapt as needed for the team’s benefit. “Whether the team needs me to open or bat at number 3, I will do whatever is necessary,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to the team’s success.

PAK vs IRE: HIGHLIGHTS

Reflecting on the tournament, Babar noted the importance of learning from their mistakes and building on the positives. “We have a bit of a break before our next series at home, which we are eager to perform well in. There were positives in the tournament, but as a team, we didn’t play well,” he concluded.

PAKISTAN END CAMPAIGN WITH WIN

Shaheen Afridi’s stellar performance, 3-22 and a crucial unbeaten 13, propelled Pakistan to a three-wicket victory over Ireland in their final match of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Florida on Sunday. Despite a challenging chase of 107 runs, Pakistan reached the target with seven balls remaining, leaving Ireland winless in the tournament. Pakistan began their chase aggressively. Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub both scored boundaries early on, establishing a strong foundation despite both being dismissed during the Powerplay. Ireland then regained momentum with Barry McCarthy and Curtis Campher taking crucial wickets and restricting Pakistan’s scoring rate.

Babar Azam anchored the innings, but with wickets falling at the other end, the chase became complicated. Abbas Afridi offered vital support, but Ireland’s bowlers effectively kept Babar off strike in the late overs. Abbas’s dismissal in the 18th over added to the pressure, but Shaheen Afridi’s two massive sixes in the penultimate over ensured Pakistan’s victory without needing the final over.

Published By:

Saurabh Kumar

Published On:

Jun 17, 2024

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