Babar Azam Opens Up On Spinner’s Poor Type

Babar Azam-led Pakistan’s marketing campaign within the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 got here to a disappointing finish. The Males in Inexperienced had been one of many favourites to win the continental championship however crashed out of the event after struggling a loss in opposition to Sri Lanka on Thursday (September 14) on the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

It was a digital semifinal for each the groups and ultimately, Sri Lanka prevailed. The defending champions chased down the 252-run goal within the allotted 42 overs on the final ball of the match. Pakistan did properly to get better from 130 for five to publish 252 for 7 due to Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten knock of 86. Abdullah Shafique (52) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) additionally performed essential knocks for his or her crew.

Pakistan, nevertheless, couldn’t defend the full. For Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis led the cost with the bat with a 91-run knock whereas Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 48. Sri Lanka misplaced wickets in heap in the direction of the tip however Charith Asalanka remained agency at one finish and scored an unbeaten 49 to take his crew residence.

Babar Azam on Shadab Khan’s poor type:

One of many causes behind Pakistan’s poor show within the Tremendous 4 video games was their spin spearhead Shadab Khan’s sudden decline in type. Although different spinners made a big effect in pleasant circumstances in Colombo, the leg-spinner didn’t do properly. In opposition to Sri Lanka, part-time spinner Iftikhar Ahmed picked up three wickets however Shadab managed only one whereas additionally conceding 55 runs in his 9 overs.

The Pakistan star opened his marketing campaign with a 4-wicket haul in opposition to Nepal earlier than going wicketless in opposition to India and Bangladesh. Within the Tremendous 4 sport in opposition to India, he conceded 71 runs in 10 overs and managed one wicket. With Shadab struggling along with his type, captain Babar Azam was requested about the identical. In reply, Babar Azam stated:

“Shadab is bowling very properly however he’s not taking any wicket. In order that’s why you are feeling he’s not bowling properly. He’s bowling properly by sadly he’s not taking any wickets. He’s one in every of your greatest bowlers, Nawaz and Shadab.

“Second factor, sure Zaman Khan has proven character and is doing properly previously, within the PSL and in two PSL finals, the place he bowled within the final over. So he has full confidence however worldwide match is a distinct factor,” added the Pakistan captain after Zaman Khan didn’t defend 8 runs within the remaining over and 6 runs within the final two balls.

Sri Lanka and India will now play the ultimate on Sunday (September 17). Earlier than that, India will tackle Bangladesh within the final Tremendous 4 sport on Friday.