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'Of Course...' - Fakhar Zaman Admits Pakistan's Morale Took A Beating After India Loss

image-lofjraybFakhar Zaman attended Pakistan's post-match presser (Twitter)

Fakhar Zaman admitted the hammering at the hands of arch-rivals India dented the Pakistani spirits as they failed to recover their strong footing in the ICC World Cup 2023. Heading into the marquee clash in Ahmedabad with expectations on November 14, Babar Azam's men were battered left, right and center by Rohit Sharma's much-vaunted troops. 

Pakistan suffered a horrendous collapse to lose their last eight wickets for just 36 runs against India's robust bowling attack and were dismissed for a paltry 191 all out before Rohit played a statement knock of 86 off 63 deliveries against their famed bowling unit, featuring Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, to push his team to an intimidating victory by seven wickets. 

The famous rubber watched by a packed crowd of 1.2 lakh turned into a no-contest by the second half of India's run-chase as they finished off the proceedings inside 31 overs and damaged Pakistan's NRR and their morale for the remainder of the World Cup campaign. 

Fakhar said the defeat shook Pakistan hard as they later stumbled in their match-ups with Australia, Afghanistan and South Africa, too, in a four-match losing streak that put them on the verge of elimination from the knock-outs race despite three wins under their belt from seven games. 


Fakhar Admits Pakistan Couldn't Overcome India Loss 

Speaking to the press after Pakistan's comeback win over hapless Bangladesh in Kolkata on Tuesday (October 31), Fakhar, who belted 81 off 74 deliveries upon his return to the playing XI, recalled the horror memories of falling heavily against Indian and highlighted it as a major confidence downer for Babar and company. 

"Of course, an India and Pakistan match is a very big deal. If I say it doesn’t make a difference, I would be wrong. But all the players are professional and have played a lot of cricket. Even against India, they have played a lot of matches," said the veteran left-hander, renowned for his match-winning century in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017 against India. 

Making amends against the Bangla Tigers, Fakhar indicated Pakistan could retain their playing combination, bar the expected reinclusion of concussed Shadab Khan, for the forthcoming matches. 

"But I think if you look at our rhythm, we have made a comeback in batting and in bowling – like if you see in our previous match against South Africa."


"This is a combination. I hope that you will see the same in this match and also in the next. I have been part of this dressing room for the past 8 years, so I feel that the more we play, the more we will improve," Fakhar added.

Pakistan need to not just win convincingly over New Zealand (November 4) and England (November 11) but also hope for other results to favour their diminishing contention for the knock-outs stage.