Pakistan got knocked out of the Asia Cup T20 tournament as they were defeated by Bangladesh in their penultimate match at Mirpur, Dhaka yesterday. Pakistan did not play as a team in this tournament. Pakistan team has many weaknesses which they have to address before the World T20 to be played in India.
Here are the four reasons for Pakistan early exit in Asia Cup 2016.
1. Top Order batting problems
Pakistan’s biggest problem in this tournament was their batting. In Asia Cup, 2016 tournament Pakistan batting, especially the top order lacked the technique against the moving ball. In the first match against India, Hafeez, Sharjeel Khan and Manzoor contributed only 21 runs as Pakistan was reduced to 32 for 3. In the second match against UAE situation was no different as the top 3 batsmen only contributed 15 runs as Pakistan was reduced to 17 for 3 before Akmal and Malik put up an excellent partnership to steer Pakistan home.
In the crucial match against Bangladesh, the top 3 batsmen disappointed again as they scored 13 runs between them. Pakistan struggled at the start as they lost 3 wickets for 18 runs.
2. Lack of support from other bowlers
The main problem for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2016 was that Mohammad Aamir did not get enough support from the others to put pressure on the opponents. In the match against India, as Mohammad Aamir picked 3 early wickets but the other bowlers including Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan did not pick up wickets. Despite Mohammad Sami picking 2 late wickets, Pakistan lost the match by 5 wickets. In the second match against minnows UAE, the opposition was struggling at one moment but some excellent batting helped them to reach 130. Pakistan won that match by 7 wickets. In their last match against Bangladesh defending a target of 130, Anwar Ali and Mohammad Sami gave away too many runs which put pressure on Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Aamir.
3. Inability to handle a pressure situation
Another reason for Pakistan’s early exit in the Asia Cup 2016 was its inability to handle a pressure situation. In the first match against India when the team was struggling with the bat, the batsmen played their shots and lost wickets at regular intervals. Pakistan did not play full 20 overs and was bundled out for just 83. In the second match, Pakistan prevailed after excellent performances by the UAE batsmen and bowlers. The third match against Bangladesh which was a crucial match, but Pakistan failed as they were restricted to only 129 for 7. While fielding let down on crucial moments and conceded extra runs which proved costly for Pakistan. Mohammad Sami in the 19th over bowled 2 no balls that sealed the game for Bangladesh. In the last over Bangladesh needed only 3 runs as Mahmudullah hit the winning runs off the first ball.
4. Shahid Afridi as a player and captain
Shahid Afridi’s form in the Asia Cup 2016 was not up to the mark and also his captaincy in the tournament was negative. In the first match against India, Shahid Afridi came to the crease when Pakistan were 5 down but was run-out attempting a risky second run. In the match against UAE, he did not get a chance to bat while against Bangladesh he was dismissed for 0 and on the bowling front he was confused which led to the downfall of Pakistan. In yesterday’s match, Afridi did not attack with the field placement and let the match slip away.