Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam reacts after his crew’s defeat throughout the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match towards Afghanistan in Chennai on October 23, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP
A upset Pakistan captain Babar Azam on Monday admitted that his facet’s bowling assault was not up to the mark after Afghanistan beat them by eight wickets in yet one more World Cup upset in Chennai.
Afghanistan chased down the goal of 283 with six balls to spare with openers Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113 balls) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53 balls) setting up the win.
One-down Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chipped in with 77 not out and 48 not out respectively as Afghanistan continued their giant-killing spree. They had shocked defending champions England earlier in the event.
The gorgeous loss actually pushed Pakistan on the brink of elimination.
“We had a good total, but in bowling, we were not up to the mark because we weren’t taking wickets in the middle overs,” Babar stated at the post-match presentation.
“In a World Cup, if you are not good even in one department, you lose. We started well while bowling, but we couldn’t take wickets.” He gave credit score to Afghanistan for the win.
“We are not playing good cricket, (especially) in bowling and fielding,” he stated.
“The pitch was helping the spinners even in the second innings. There was no pressure on their batsmen.” Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi stated the win “tastes nice”.
“The way we chased today, was very professional. We have been quality cricket from a couple of years. We will try our best to play positive cricket, and do a lot for our country.
“Today, bowling was superb, particularly spin bowling. We gave an opportunity to Noor, and he confirmed. The sport was in our arms from the starting until the finish.” Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his 87 in Afghanistan’s run chase, said he played with a positive intent.
“Thankful that I carried out properly on this occasion. I needed to play with a constructive intent,” he said.
“Many instances Gurbaz and I’ve executed an excellent partnership collectively. We have performed quite a lot of cricket collectively, proper from the Under-16 days. I’m feeling very glad for myself and for my nation.” Former captain and senior player Mohammad Nabi said the win was a big moment for the whole of Afghanistan, having lost every game that they played against the bitter rivals from 2012.
“We have performed eight video games towards Pakistan, and gained in a giant occasion. It’s a beautiful second at this time. We beat England as properly, and now Pakistan. The crew is assured now.
“(Earlier) in the last moments, we used to lose the game (to Pakistan). We thought it was the same wicket like against New Zealand, but it was totally changed.
“Loads of shut video games, and this can be a unbelievable feeling. We should not have misplaced towards Bangladesh. But now half the event is gone.”
