Usman Tariq has backed Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to bounce back after their subdued performance against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In the T20 World Cup Group A clash on February 15, Babar managed just five runs off seven balls, while Shaheen conceded 31 in his two overs, though he did claim the wicket of Axar Patel.
Pakistan suffered a 61-run defeat and now face a must-win situation in their final group match against Namibia on Wednesday, February 18, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Tariq, who finished with figures of 4-0-24-1 against India, emphasised that Babar and Shaheen are not under extra pressure, and the focus will be on how they respond in the upcoming match.
“There’s no doubt that Shaheen and Babar have won many matches for Pakistan. One game doesn’t define their capability or calibre. If something like this happens, they know how to recover because they are the senior players,” Tariq said in the pre-match press conference.
“There’s nothing like they are shattered or under extra pressure. It’s part of the game. Some days you do well, some days you don’t. The main thing is how you come back and perform again,” Tariq added.
BABAR, SHAHEEN TO BE DROPPED?
Pakistan’s team management has decided that action must be taken. According to a PTI report, the duo will be rested after failing to deliver in the crucial clash against their arch-rivals. Despite their experience and standing as two of Pakistan’s most prominent players, both were among the team’s poorest performers when it mattered most.
In the aftermath of the defeat, head coach Mike Hesson gave a candid assessment in the dressing room, telling the squad they had fallen short of their potential. The management convened late into the night and concluded that changes were essential to address the team’s shortcomings.
“Late night, the management think tank decided enough was enough, and it was to bench Babar and Shaheen and try out Salman Mirza/Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman against Namibia on Wednesday,” the source revealed.
Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have struggled throughout the tournament. In three matches, Babar has scored 66 runs at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 115.78, with a top score of 46 against the United States. Shaheen, meanwhile, has claimed three wickets at an economy rate of 11.22.
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