Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam, opening up on the seven-wicket World Cup 2023 defeat against India, acknowledged that the Green Shirts were not up to the mark and the loss was not good for the national side.
Speaking at the post-match ceremony, Azam admitted that the team’s total of 191 runs was below par and the batting collapse cost them.
The captain’s remarks come after India sailed through Pakistan’s 192-run target at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium to secure an easy win after the Green Shirts witnessed a spectacular batting collapse and went from 155-2 to be all out for 191 in the 43rd over.
India carried on to their fantastic form and recorded a seven-wicket win while chasing 192. Rohit Sharma showcased his batting skills once again and top-scored for the winning side with 86 off 63 balls. His rapid knock included 12 boundaries.
This was India’s record eighth World Cup win against Pakistan as they remain unbeaten against the Green Shirts in the history of ODI World Cups.
“We started well with a good partnership. We just planned to play normal cricket and build partnerships. Suddenly there was a collapse and we could not finish well. Not good for us, the way we started, our target was 280-290 but the collapse cost us. The total was not good,” Babar said in the post-match ceremony.
He admitted his bowlers were not on the mark from the start while defending the low target.
“We were not up to the mark with the new ball. The way Rohit played, was an outstanding innings. We just tried to take wickets, but that didn’t happen,” he added.
It must be noted India jumped to the first position of the ICC World Cup 2023 points table. With three wins in three matches, the home side continued their excellent form and maintained a positive 1.821 net run rate (NRR).
Pakistan are ranked fourth with an NRR of -0.137. They will now play Australia on October 20.