NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain
Babar Azam
shared his thoughts on the team's performance in the last T20 World Cup. He believes that Pakistan had the potential to not only defeat their long-time rival, India, but also to secure the championship title.
In the previous edition of the tournament, Pakistan found themselves just two victories away from clinching the coveted trophy for the first time since their inaugural win in 2009.
However, their hopes were dashed when they faced Australia in the semi-final match. Despite their best efforts, the Men in Green suffered a narrow 5-wicket loss against the Baggy Greens.
Looking back on the crucial encounter, Babar expressed his belief that the outcome could have been different if his team had managed to deliver a couple of dot deliveries in the final phase of the game.
"I think the semi-final we lost against Australia, we could have won that. In that match, fielding was the reason that made a different impact. If we had bowled two or three dot balls in the final stages, then the pressure would have got to them. But we lost as a team and not due to an individual," Babar said in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast.
Pakistan showcased an exceptional performance throughout the 2022 tournament, reaching the final with an almost perfect record. However, their dismal streak against India in World Cup matches persisted as they faced a narrow four-wicket loss in the championship match.
Pakistan had a commanding lead for most of the game against their rivals. With only eight balls remaining, India found themselves in a daunting position, requiring 28 runs to secure the win.
"For me, in 2022 [World Cup], we could and should have won the India game, but they took it away," Babar noted.
As
Virat Kohli
faced Haris Rauf, he retreated slightly before launching a colossal six directly over the Pakistani paceman's head. Amidst the intense atmosphere, commentator Gerard Whateley immortalized the moment with the unforgettable words: "That is a shot of an emperor," encapsulating Kohli's brilliance.
The subsequent delivery was dispatched for another six, setting the stage for India's successful pursuit of 160 runs. The encounter exceeded expectations, and spectators eagerly anticipate another thrilling contest.
Pakistan secured a spot in the final, but their hopes were dampened when
Shaheen Afridi
, their star fast bowler, suffered an injury during the match against England, significantly contributing to their eventual defeat.
"Shaheen's [Afridi] injury was impactful because, at that time, the pressure was on them [England]. We were forced to give an over to a spinner and that made a difference," he said while recalling the T20 World Cup 2022 loss against England in the final.
Pakistan are placed in Group A and will begin their campaign against the co-hosts USA on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas.
(With ANI inputs)
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