Babar Azam Attributes Super Four Stage Defeat to Bowling and Fielding
After Pakistan’s defeat to Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, national team captain Babar Azam has pointed to issues with both bowling and fielding as the reasons behind the loss.
A Rain-Affected Match
In the match, which was affected by rain, Pakistan had set Sri Lanka a target of 252 runs to win in 42 overs. However, the Pakistani bowlers were unable to successfully defend this target, and Sri Lanka managed to reach it on the last ball of the 42nd over, securing victory with 8 wickets in hand.
Key Performers for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s successful chase was led by Kushal Mendis, who contributed with an innings of 91 runs. Charith Asalanka scored 49 runs, while Sudira Samara Wickrama added 48 runs to the total. This victory marked the end of Pakistan’s Asia Cup journey.
Assessment by Captain Babar Azam
In his post-match remarks, Captain Babar Azam acknowledged that Sri Lanka had played better cricket. He identified weaknesses in Pakistan’s bowling and fielding as contributing factors to the loss. He specifically mentioned that the bowlers struggled in the middle overs of the game.
Dasun Shanaka’s Perspective
On the other hand, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka noted that although they had the game under control, they allowed Pakistan a chance to stage a comeback. However, Asalanka’s composed performance helped secure the win for Sri Lanka.
The match highlighted the importance of consistent performance in all aspects of the game, from batting and bowling to fielding, and showcased the competitive nature of cricket in the Asia Cup.
