Babar Azam, the Pakistan skipper, boosted its team’s morale following a stunning five-wicket loss to Australia in the 2021 T20 World Cup semifinals. After the game, Babar Azam spoke in the dressing room, requesting his teammates learn from this defeat and stick by one another.
Australia registered a come-from-behind victory in Dubai on Thursday as Australian lower middle-order batsmen Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis threaded an unbroken 81-run stand. Pakistan had the game well within their grasp; however, their lacklustre fielding cost them.
Babar Azam Requests Not To Blame Individuals For Losing Semi-Final To Australia
In a video uploaded by Pakistan cricket’s official Twitter handle, Babar Azam addressed his side and said he understands their pain. However, Babar Azam requested everyone to maintain unity, not to play the blame game, and take lessons from this.
“We are all in pain and grieved by where we went wrong and where we could’ve done better. No one will tell us as we already know it. But we have to learn from it and we can’t let this loss break us as a unit. I’m requesting not to blame individuals and we as a team, didn’t perform well.”
He added: “We did lose, but we will learn from this and bounce back. We have to ensure we don’t repeat these mistakes moving forward and let’s maintain this bond amongst ourselves because this is a result of our hard work.”
The 27-year old praised his teammates for playing magnificently throughout the group stage, where they were undefeated and won all 5 games.
“It is difficult to create such a connection; hence, let’s get through this defeat together. As captain, I back every player and I’m thankful to all of you for responding well to me and fostering a good dressing room atmosphere. Everyone has given their everything and taken responsibility and it’s what is required from a team. Efforts are within our control and we will put it; however, results are not in our hands. Results will follow if a side gives its maximum effort.”
Besides, dropping a catch off Matthew Wade, right-arm seamer Hasan Ali came into the firing line for his wicketless four overs. Wade subsequently smacked Shaheen Shah Afridi for three sixes as Australia won with an over to spare.
Babar Azam Urges Not To Talk About Anyone Negatively And Forge A Positive Environment By Backing Each Other
Babar Azam stressed about reflecting on their mistakes; however, wanted the side to maintain that positivity by supporting each other and overcoming this loss. Australia beat Pakistan by five wickets in the 2nd semi-final in Dubai after New Zealand had defeated England in the 1st semi-final.
“Hence, please don’t drop your shoulders and I know everyone is grieving. It’s only a matter of time and think about where we could’ve gone better. Please support each other and these are times where everyone must pick each other up. I urge you not to talk about anyone negatively and forge a positive environment by backing one another and enjoying. Let’s learn from this and the more quickly we move on from this loss, the better.”
Marcus Stoinis (40*) & Matthew Wade (41*) took the team over the line in a pulsating finish. Pakistan set Australia a target of 177 in 20 overs in the 2nd semi-final in Dubai. In response, Australia lost their skipper Aaron Finch on a golden duck as Shaheen Shah Afridi trapped him LBW in the first over.
Then, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh rebuilt, stitching half-century stand. However, the joy was short-lived as Shadab Khan sent Mitchell Marsh packing on 28 to leave Australia on 57/2 after 7 overs. Then, Steve Smith fell cheaply on five as Shadab Khan’s twin strike rocked Australia.
But David Warner continued on his merry way, smashing 49 before being sent packing by Shadab Khan. Australia reached 95/4 after 12 overs. Glenn Maxwell didn’t last long either as Shadab Khan bagged the fourth scalp, and Australia reached 127/5 in 16 overs. 22 runs were needed in the last 12 balls, and Matthew Wade took Australia home with 6 balls to spare. Shaheen Shah Afridi got hammered for three sixes in a row in the penultimate over.
Sunday’s 2021 T20I World Cup final in Dubai will see Australia and New Zealand lock horns as both sides aim to lift their first T20 World Cup.