• Home
  • Who Said What
  • We Lost Three Babar Azam Hails Rizwan Shakeel After Pak Win Over Ned In World Cup 2023

‘We Lost Three..,’ Babar Azam Hails Rizwan, Shakeel After PAK Win Over NED In World Cup 2023

image-lnetqatvBabar Azam failed with the bat against Netherlands (AP)

Pakistan batters Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel caned Netherlands with punching half-centuries before Haris Rauf led bowlers’ response later in the evening. Defending 287 in their opening match of the 2023 World Cup, the ‘Men in Green’ eventually catered themselves to a huge 81-run win and bagged their opening points on offer at Hyderabad.

After team’s emphatic performance, captain Babar Azam spoke highly of his two half-centurions Rizwan and Shakeel and also hailed his bowlers for dismantling the Netherlands batting line-up in their run-chase.

Babar Azam credits bowlers for sticking to plans

Pakistan captain and batting maverick Babar Azam scored just five against Netherlands to worsen his side’s early struggles within the opening hour of the match. Fortunately for the skipper, his number four Mohammad Rizwan and middle-order mainstay Saud Shakeel resurrected Pakistan innings with their counterattacking 120-run stand for the fourth wicket.

The two batters slapped 68 each in the innings, as Pakistan eventually finished with 286 upfront. Babar Azam praised Rizwan and Shakeel for their rescue act with the bat, adding that the two managed to put pressure back on the Netherlands bowlers. He said:

“We lost three wickets, the way Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Saud batted put pressure on the Netherlands. Saud built his innings and played well. He has improved a lot.”

The Pakistan captain also hailed the collective efforts of his bowlers before singling out Haris Rauf for his middle-overs spell. During the post-match presentation, he added:

“Pretty satisfied, credit to the bowlers, the way started well and the way we took wickets in the middle overs. Our bowlers bowled very well, we stuck to our plans, Haris Rauf bowled quick and took wickets.”

Babar Azam further praised the Hyderabad crowd for supporting his side, claiming that the team management is really enjoying the hospitality in the city.

“The way Hyderabad supports us, we are very happy. Our team is enjoying the hospitality.”

Babar and his troops have one more match lined-up at the famous Hyderabad venue, as they will face Sri Lanka on October 10 in their subsequent match of the tournament.