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‘Hurts A Lot…’ Babar Azam Gutted After World Cup 2023 Loss To Afghanistan

image-lo35jc40Babar Azam at the 2023 World Cup (x.com)

A clinical Afghanistan side overcame Pakistan’s experience and 282-run intimidation with utmost ease in their recent World Cup 2023 standoff in Chennai. Earlier in the match, the ‘Men in Green’ skipper Babar Azam had signalled his return to form with a scintillating 74 on a turning Chennai surface against Afghanistan’s four-pronged spin attack.

Pakistan’s latest defeat marked their first-ever against Afghanistan in ODIs, and their third in succession in the ongoing 2023 World Cup as their semi-final chances continue to hang in the balance.

After the match, captain Babar lamented his side’s shock defeat and emphasised the importance of ticking all three boxes for winning World Cup games.

Hopeful Babar Azam aiming for a quick reboot

Pakistan captain Babar Azam criticised his bowling department for their failure in holding down Afghanistan in their sensational run-chase. The legendary batsman also signified the importance of ticking all three aspects of the game in order to win crucial World Cup matches.

Babar further praised Afghanistan for their spirited effort on the big day, and urged his troops for a quick recovery in the coming matches of the tournament. During the post-match presentation, he said:

“Yes, we have lost against Afghanistan. Yes, it hurt us a lot. The runs were on the board. I think we didn't bowl well enough. We are not up to the mark. In the World Cup, we need to tick all three departments. If we fail in any one of the departments, you are going to lose. All credit to Afghanistan. They did well in all 3 departments, and hence they won. We need to do well in the coming matches. We didn't play good cricket, and hence we are losing.”


“We have to get ourselves back to doing well in all departments, and let us see how the next goes for us. We need to pick ourselves up.”

In hindsight, Pakistan will now have to win all their remaining World Cup 2023 group matches for standing a chance of securing a top four finish.

They will stay back in Chennai to face a marauding bunch of South Africans next up on October 27.