Following a heartbreaking five-wicket loss to Australia in the 2021 T20 World Cup semifinals, Pakistan captain Babar Azam boosted his team’s spirits. After the game, Babar Azam addressed his teammates in the locker room, imploring that they learn from their loss and keep together.
On Thursday, Australia won a come-from-behind victory in Dubai, thanks to an unbroken 81-run partnership between Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis. Pakistan had the game well in hand, however their poor fielding cost them the game.
Babar Azam spoke to his side, saying he understood their anguish. Azam, on the other hand, urged everyone to maintain unity, refrain from blaming others, and learn from the situation.
“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 said
“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.” He added
The 27-year-old congratulated his colleagues for their outstanding performance throughout the group stage and said,
“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.”
Hasan Ali
Hasan Ali, a right-arm seamer, entered the fray after a wicketless four overs and a catch off Matthew Wade’s bat. Following that, Wade hit Shaheen Shah Afridi for three sixes as Australia won by an over.
Azam was concerned about reflecting on their shortcomings, but he also urged the team to stay positive by supporting one another and overcoming this setback.
“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.” he said
On Sunday in Dubai, Australia and New Zealand will play in the T20 World Cup final, with both teams vying for their first title.
Read more: Babar Azam says “We can’t let this loss break us” in T20 World Cup 2021
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