We are not playing good cricket: Babar Azam on losing to Afghanistan

WEB DESK: Pakistani skipper Babar Azam on Monday said that Pakistan lost against Afghanistan because of not taking early wickets.

Babar made those remarks during the post-match ceremony of the 22nd match of the ICC World Cup 2023, in which Afghanistan beat Pakistan at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

“We had a good total, but in bowling, we were not up to the mark because we weren’t taking wickets in the middle overs. In a World Cup, if you are not good even in one department, you lose. We started well while bowling, but we couldn’t take wickets. All credit to Afghanistan. We are not playing good cricket, [especially] in bowling and fielding. The pitch was helping the spinners even in the second innings. There was no pressure on their batsmen,” said Babar.

ICC World Cup 2023: Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets

Mohammad Nabi

Big moment for the whole of Afghanistan. We have played eight games against Pakistan, and won in a big event. It’s a lovely moment today. We beat England as well, and now Pakistan. The team is confident now. [Earlier] in the last moments, we used to lose the game [to Pakistan]. We thought it was the same wicket like against New Zealand, but it was totally changed. Noor bowled brilliantly, in the good areas. A lot of close games, and this is a fantastic feeling. We shouldn’t have lost against Bangladesh. But now half the tournament is gone. We gave a lap of honour at the ground, and hopefully in Pune also they will support us.”