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'I Think..', Babar Azam Explains What Went Wrong For Pakistan In 2023 World Cup

image-lotp0rc0Babar Azam in action [AP]

Pakistan are set to face England in a decisive World Cup clash on Saturday. With semi-final hopes diminishing every hour, Babar Azam and Co. must pull a rabbit out of the hat. To edge past New Zealand's NRR, they are required to defeat the Englishmen by 287 runs.

While every other qualification scenario seems unattainable, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is holding on to the tiny hope. Ahead of the pivotal clash, the captain reckoned his team is aware of the NRR situation and has apparently devised a foolproof plan.

Regardless of what unfolds on Saturday, Babar Azam intends to finish the disappointing tournament on a positive note. During the pre-game press conference, the skipper also pinpointed the exact moment he believes Pakistan lost the grip of their fate. 

Babar recalled the thrilling defeat to South Africa cost Pakistan heavily. They should have won that game, given the circumstances. But not to be. 

"I think the South Africa match cost us, and we should have won that match, but unfortunately, we didn't win that because of which we are at this stage," Babar said.

Pakistan lost to South Africa by the barest of margins on 27th October. In a must-win game, Babar Azam and Co. set up 270 runs on board, which seemed a decent target on Chennai's spin-friendly wicket. 

Moreover, Pakistan's quality bowling unit put up a brave fight to reduce the Proteas to 250/7. It was Pakistan's game to lose from that stage, but Keshav Maharaj finished the proceedings for his side. 

Babar Azam missed a trick by allowing easy singles to Maharaj and the tail. Regardless, Haris Rauf's late blinder brought Pakistan back into the game. However, with just one wicket in hand, Maharaj kept his nerves to cross the finish line in the very last over of the inning. Meanwhile, Babar was shell-shocked with the results and was captured having a go at his players.

Having said that, Babar Azam will only take back learning from the tournament back home. He says big events like the World Cup give you a reality check as the margin of errors is almost negligible. Learning from the mistakes and overcoming the setbacks is the way forward for Pakistan.