PAK vs AUS | Soft dismissals cost us the game: Babar Azam

In a dramatic turnaround, the visiting Australian team managed to win the Lahore test and thus lifted the Benaud-Qadir trophy yesterday. Chasing 351, Pakistan were comfortably placed at 165 for three at one stage on the final day. But their middle-order disappointed the home side yet again in the series, and they were eventually bundled out for just 235. 

While Australia, led exceptionally by Pat Cummins, were praised for their heroic effort, questions were raised on the mindset of the Pakistani batters after the crushing defeat by 115 runs on home soil. 

However, the Pakistani captain Babar Azam has dismissed the theory of difference in the mindsets of both these sides. The stylish right-handed batsman insisted that although they played positive cricket, the wickets falling like a pack of cards took the game away from them.

"We didn't go defensive; we played positive cricket", Babar said. "We had a good session early in the day, but unfortunately, we had soft dismissals, and that's the reason we lost the game,' he added. 

The Pakistani skipper argued that they had the plan of chasing the target throughout the innings. But the continuous fall of wickets compelled them to think differently and take the game deep instead of going for the target by playing shots.

"We had a simple plan-to take the momentum in hand first and then think about the target after tea. But with all those wickets falling, we decided to go deep as much as we could but we were positive throughout", Babar said. "There were continuous discussions in our dressing room about chasing it down, but when your main batters are dismissed, you obviously start thinking differently. Yet we never held back, kept on playing shots and utilised whatever came in our area. So, the mindset was positive but it didn't go our way," he further added in this regard. 

The Lahore-born batsman stated to be satisfied with his team's performance throughout the series. Despite Pakistan not winning any game, Babar argued that the home side were dominant over the visitors in the first two tests. He denied any changes taking place in the team combination any time soon and backed his side for the games in future.  

"Overall the series went well, especially the Karachi Test where we dominated and saved the match", the Pakistani skipper said. "It's too early to think about changes. We don't have to forget their recent performances. We have developed a good combination and I have full faith in them", he further added. 

When enquired about Hasan Ali's poor returns and whether he could have been replaced by the leg spinner Zahid Mahmood, Babar said they preferred Sajid Khan as the spinner over Zahid as the former could bat better. He also backed Hasan Ali by saying that the Punjab-born fast bowler gave his all, but things didn't go his way. 

"The main thing is the combination, and you pick players accordingly. We have our offspinner Sajid, who is a good batter and Nauman Ali coming along with a good bowling show", Babar said. "Hasan Ali is a match winner; he gave his best effort but sometimes things don't go our way. It's a part of the game," he concluded.