T20 World Cup 2024: Babar Azam Speaks Out After Shocking Loss to USA, Points Fingers

Despite enduring a historic defeat, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam admitted he was “feeling good.” In the aftermath of their stunning loss to the USA in the T20 World Cup, Azam discussed the team’s shortcomings and pinpointed the game’s turning point. The thrilling match saw the USA clinch victory in the Super Over, leaving fans on edge throughout. Pakistan struggled at 26/3 before Babar and Shadab Khan steadied the innings with a 72-run partnership. However, their effort unraveled when Shadab couldn’t clear short fine leg.

“The first six overs were challenging with the ball swinging and holding up. We gained momentum when Shadab and I formed our partnership, but losing wickets consecutively was the turning point. Once we had momentum, losing wickets cost us,” Babar said in the post-match press conference.

Unfamiliar conditions and a lack of experience against the USA team contributed to Pakistan’s downfall. The batters struggled to settle in, the pacers couldn’t find their rhythm, and fielding errors prevented Pakistan from applying pressure until the final three overs.

Babar candidly critiqued their performance across all aspects of the game. “We underperformed in all three departments. Our bowling wasn’t up to par in the first six overs, and our spinner didn’t take wickets in the middle overs, which put us under pressure. Credit to the US team for how they finished the game in the Super Over,” he stated.

“It was tough initially, but we recovered. As professionals, we need to perform against any team in the batting and middle order. We can’t use their good performance as an excuse; we simply played badly,” he added.

Despite the unprecedented defeat, Babar maintained a positive outlook. “Honestly, I feel good. Losing a match is always upsetting, but we are not performing well in fielding, bowling, and batting,” Babar observed.

During the game, Pakistan managed to post 159/7, with Shaheen Afridi contributing crucial runs at the end. The USA seemed set to chase down the target after a solid 68-run partnership between Andries Gous and captain Monank Patel. Pakistan’s pacers fought back, consistently hitting their marks, and with five needed off the final ball, Nitish Kumar’s four sent the match into a Super Over.

Veteran pacer Mohammad Amir, who excelled in the penultimate over, was entrusted with the Super Over. However, he faltered, missing his line, bowling wides, and conceding 18 runs. In response, Pakistan could only manage 13/1, allowing the USA to secure a remarkable 5-run victory.