NEWS
Follow UsPakistan had made it to the finals of the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but have failed to turn up in the ongoing edition, having lost to the United States of America and India in their first two group games. Now, they run a real danger of not qualifying for the Super Eights, with USA and India being at the pole position to secure the berth.
The loss to India was particularly disheartening for the side, especially because they had controlled the game for the longest time and were blown away by a disciplined Indian bowling attack towards the end. Not being able to capitalise in the first 10 overs was the primary reason for the loss.
“I won't say one thing - where we have gone wrong. After 12 overs we were 72 for 2. We needed 48 runs of 48 balls. We had eight wickets in our hands. I can't tell you anything about the decision making or shot selection,” Pakistan Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood said in the press conference ahead of their clash against Canada on June 11, 2024 (Tuesday).
“I think it was the selection of shots and playing those shots at the wrong time. I'm not saying the shot was not on. Shot was on, but not at the right time or the right choice of bowlers. I'm not going to name here, but you know, it is what it is. You have to play according to the situation in front of you. Because if the average of six runs goes up to 10 runs, or if it goes up to 18 runs, then this was our concern – like before.”
Pakistan batters’ strike rates have once again come under scanner, with the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan failing to turn up the heat after cautious starts. That has hurt Pakistan big-time, but Mahmood said the discussion “unfortunate”.
“Look, you're talking about the strike rate. Unfortunately, when we talk about strike rate, the whole public is focused on Babar and Razi. If you go back, even two years ago, or still go back, the problem is that your partnership is established, you get a platform set, and then in the ten to fifteen over period, you lose your wickets,” Mahmood said.
“If you look at T20, if you get a partnership, because T20 format is a short format – so even if you set one partnership it can win the game. You have control on the game. And when you say about our approach – whenever you play a big tournament, you need a bit of luck. You need the favour of luck.
“I spoke about the strike rate, about the reiteration policy. We have used different players at different positions. We have tried out different ways, to check what clicks for us but unfortunately, whatever we have tried, didn’t work for us. That is the major factor for them – like I said earlier, it’s very important – shot selection and decision making.”
There has been talks about the rift between Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, especially after the former was stripped away from captaincy, which then subsequently landed in Afridi’s lap, before the reverse happened and Babar was once again made captain. Wasim Akram revealed that Azam and Afridi don’t talk to each other, but Mahmood refuted that allegation.
“Wasim must have said that, but I don't know. I didn't see it. Shaheen and Babar are definitely talking, they are good friends. They are both part of the Pakistan team. Now when you ask who will take responsibility – I think we all, as a team management will take responsibility. We have not lost because of anyone, it is our mistake too,” the 49-year-old added.
“We are not hiding any players, everyone is there. Everything is there. I said earlier that we are a team. Obviously, we're sitting here, and it's our responsibility. We're not delivering. That's why I'm sitting here. Yesterday, Gary was sitting here. So definitely, it's not like we're hiding a player. They're part of us.”
Losing to the USA now have severely impacted Pakistan’s chances of making it to the Super Eights as now they would be expecting India and Ireland to beat USA by massive margins along with their own wins against Canada and Ireland. Mahmood stated that in T20s, it is difficult to take any teams lightly.
"The matter of being complacent doesn’t arise only. If a person is complacent, it's obvious. Then whoever he is, he doesn't deserve, in my opinion, playing for your country. There's nothing like that after this.
“Yes, you talked about the USA or Canada. There are players who have played first class cricket and have played from other countries, from India, Sri Lanka, and other countries. I had said before that you cannot underestimate any team in the T20 format.
“If you have one good partnership, you can lose the match. We have to come back with our full preparation. It is obvious that the morale of the team is down. But now is our time to show our character. We have to go and play our positive and good cricket,” Mahmood added.
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