Babar Azam criticise Bowlers after Humiliating Defeat Against USA

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam believed that his team’s score of 159 for seven against co-hosts USA was manageable and that their bowling unit’s lackluster performance on Thursday at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas was the reason for the unexpected loss.

In their second T20 World Cup encounter, USA defeated Canada in their first over and then, under duress, tied Pakistan’s score in the last over before scoring 18 runs in the Super Over without hitting a single six. Struggling against left-handed Harmeet, Mohammed Amir gave up seven extras in that over along with three wides. Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign is in jeopardy as they could only muster 13 runs for the loss of one wicket in reply.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam knows where it all went wrong for his side in their Super Over loss to USA at the #T20WorldCup 👀

Details 👇https://t.co/kjiniCrD2D
— ICC (@ICC) June 7, 2024

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Babar expressed his opinion that Pakistan’s new-ball attack did not take advantage of the Dallas track’s plenty of opportunities for bowlers in the first six overs, in contrast to the USA, who took three wickets during the powerplay.

“Today’s wicket had help for the fast bowlers in the first six overs,” Babar stated. “But thereafter, I didn’t sense that the wicket had changed. It became somewhat calmer. The matches begin at 10.30am, so the fast bowlers will undoubtedly have some assistance due to the early start. Early in the morning, there was some juice in the pitch. They used that, therefore, and carried out their plan.

“We may have received assistance even in the second innings, but our bowling areas fell short of expectations. For the first ten overs, we were deficient in that. When we returned after that, they had already gained the upper hand. However, we ought to have protected that total considering the bowlers we have. I believe that was a manageable total for our bowling on this field.

“Our bowling are superior to them. In the first six overs, we failed to claim any wickets. You are under pressure if your spinner is failing to take wickets in the middle overs. We did recover after ten overs, however based on how they ended the game in the Super Over, all credit goes to the USA Team.

After he and Shadab Khan turned around Pakistan after a disastrous start with a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket off 48 balls, Babar also felt that he should have taken advantage of the chance to extend the game. Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige broke the partnership, dismissing Azam Khan and Shadab in consecutive deliveries to undermine Pakistan’s chances.

“In the first six overs, the ball was holding a bit and seaming around,” Babar stated. Consequently, forming a relationship was crucial. We gained momentum when Shadab and I formed that partnership. We lost the wickets consecutively, and I believe it was the turning point and then lost our momentum and moved in the opposite direction.

“It was difficult in the beginning, but we covered it up. But as a professional unit, the middle order needs to step up in such situations. This is not an excuse – I don’t think it was that they played well, I think we played badly.”

Pakistan will next face India on Sunday in New York in a must-win game as USA currently stand top of Group A points table with two wins in two matches. Another loss could see Pakistan making a humiliating early exit from the tournament.