NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup came to a disappointing end despite a win over Sri Lanka national cricket team on Saturday, with captain Salman Ali Agha conceding that the team’s batting frailties proved costly.
While Sahibzada Farhan stood out with a superb hundred, the rest of the batting unit failed to deliver consistently through the tournament. Agha admitted that Pakistan’s middle-order woes have lingered for years. Senior batters Babar Azam and Saim Ayub were left out of the Super Eights clash owing to poor form.
“We couldn’t bat well throughout the tournament. If Farhan had more support, it’d have been better. Middle order has been a problem for a few years now, we’ll have to look at that,” Agha said at the post-match presentation.
At one stage, Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84) had Sri Lanka on the ropes, raising hopes of a 225-plus total. However, Pakistan eventually finished at 212 for 8, falling short of fully capitalising on their blistering start.
“Couldn’t finish the way we wanted to. We batted well 18 overs, opposition did well in the other two. Even 160 would’ve been difficult to defend,” Agha said.
He also pointed to conditions playing a part in the contest.
“(It) was always challenging after losing the toss because of dew. Could’ve been a different story had we won the toss. Dew was a factor. We couldn’t execute plans. Usman (Tariq) had an off-day, it can happen.”
Asked to bat first, Pakistan piled up a formidable 212 for 8, riding on the heavy lifting done by Farhan and Zaman. To edge past New Zealand national cricket team on net run rate and qualify for the semifinals from Group 2, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer.
That scenario never materialised. The co-hosts, already out of semifinal contention, mounted a strong chase to finish on 207 for 6.
Both Pakistan and New Zealand ended the Super Eights stage with three points apiece, but the Kiwis advanced as the second-placed side from the group courtesy of a superior net run rate. England cricket team had already sealed their semifinal berth after winning all three of their Super Eights matches.
Farhan, who was named Player of the Match, expressed mixed emotions after his century went in vain.
“(I) wanted to do well for the team, wanted Fakhar to ton up actually. The ton didn’t work for the team, that’s why I’m sad,” he said.
“I have been feeling well, that brings confidence. Knew I could hit whatever was in my arc. All credit goes to domestic cricket, it’s brought out the habit of scoring at pace and scoring big.”
Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka, who nearly pulled off a stunning win with a blistering 76 not out off 31 balls, felt he let the opportunity slip.
“It was a close game, I could’ve finished it. Well bowled to Shaheen,” said Shanaka who needed just six runs from the last two balls to win the match.
“Yes, we’re disappointed. I want to say sorry to the fans. Unfortunately, we fell down to injuries. In the future, I hope there are no injuries. Missing two key bowlers in (Wanindu) Hasaranga and (Matheesha) Pathirana. Hope they’ll return soon and do well for Sri Lankan cricket.
“Sometimes, as players, we feel pressure. It was a mistake, I’m sorry to fans for disheartening them. We’re all thankful for all the support. (Pavan) Rathnayake is consistent, uses the crease well. We (also) have (Dunith) Wellalage, they (young players) are growing.”
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