T20 World Cup 2024: Babar Azam Reflects On Pakistan's Loss To USA

Dallas, Jun 7 (PTI): Pakistan skipper Babar Azam acknowledged that his team failed to adapt to the conditions and were outperformed by the USA in their T20 World Cup match on Thursday (June 6).

A below-par Pakistan team was stunned by newcomers USA in a Super Over during their opening Group A match. Sent into bat, Pakistan posted 159 for 7. USA matched this score with 159 for 3, forcing the match into a Super Over. In the Super Over, Pakistan conceded 18 runs, while USA gave away only 13, securing a notable victory.

"In the first six overs while batting, we didn't capitalise. Losing back-to-back wickets always puts you on the back foot. As a batter, you need to step up and build partnerships. We were not up to the mark in the first six overs with the ball. Our spinners also did not take wickets in the middle overs, so these things cost us," Babar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"Very hard, all credit to USA; they played better than us in all three departments. There was a bit of moisture in the pitch, and it was also two-paced. As a professional, you need to assess the conditions," he added.

USA Skipper Monank Patel's Reaction

An ecstatic USA skipper Monank Patel, who scored a fine 50, expressed his team's confidence in chasing down the total after restricting Pakistan.

"Winning the toss and the way we bowled in the first six overs, we took wickets and kept them quiet. We knew they would take chances after their partnership. We knew we were in the game with 160 to chase; we just needed a partnership," Patel said.

"Playing in a World Cup is not an opportunity you get every year. We were fully committed every single ball," he added.