Ahead of do-or-die Namibia clash
\n\u201cBabar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have won many matches for us,\u201d says spinner, defending out-of-form seniors
\n colombo
\nPakistan spinner Usman Tariq has defended senior duo Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi despite their recent poor form, ahead of Pakistan\u2019s must-win clash against Namibia on Wednesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
\nSpeaking at a pre-match press conference, Tariq praised the contributions of Pakistan\u2019s senior players and outlined the team\u2019s mindset, stressing the importance of experience while noting cricket\u2019s unpredictability.
\n\u201cBabar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have won many matches for us. Winning and losing are part of the game. Going forward, you will see us play well,\u201d Tariq said.
\nHe further addressed the team\u2019s approach to setbacks and the learning process after a defeat, highlighting the importance of reflection and moving forward.
\n\u201cAfter the match, the discussion is always about what mistakes we made. If one match doesn\u2019t go well, that\u2019s part of the game,\u201d he stated.
\nThe right-arm spinner reflected on the team\u2019s recent struggles and the importance of learning from past errors. He emphasised the proactive steps they have taken to address shortcomings.
\n\u201cProblems arise when you don\u2019t work on your mistakes. We have worked on our mistakes. If we don\u2019t repeat them, there won\u2019t be any problem,\u201d he said.
\nHe also spoke about handling high-pressure situations on the field, explaining that staying composed is crucial for performance.
\n\u201cFeeling pressure is normal. Controlling pressure is part of the job, and we have worked on that. But right now, there is no pressure. I didn\u2019t feel that the team was under pressure,\u201d he concluded.
\nIn their previous outing, the 2009 champions opted for a spin-heavy attack after winning the toss and electing to field.
\nHowever, the strategy backfired as India\u2019s batting, led by a blistering half-century from Ishan Kishan, propelled them to 175\/5 in 20 overs.
\nPakistan\u2019s spin duo, Abrar Ahmed and experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan, struggled. Abrar conceded 38 runs in three overs, while Shadab leaked 17 runs in a single over, with neither claiming a wicket.
\nAmong the pacers, Shaheen Afridi was the only one to make a notable impact, returning figures of 1\/31 in two overs. Captain Salman Ali Agha later described it as an \u201coff-day.\u201d
\nThe Green Shirts\u2019 batting also faltered under pressure, being bowled out for 114 in 18 overs after a disastrous start to the chase.
\nEarlier in the tournament, Salman Mirza impressed in Pakistan\u2019s opening match against the Netherlands, picking up 3\/24 in four overs. In 14 T20Is for Pakistan, he has taken 22 wickets at an economy rate of 6.36.
\nCurrently, Pakistan sits third in the Group A points table with two wins and one defeat from three matches, with a net run rate of -0.403.
\nA win against Namibia would secure six points, putting them in the second spot and overtaking the USA, who have two wins and two losses with four points and a net run rate of 0.788, ensuring progression to the Super Eight stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ahead of do-or-die Namibia clash \u201cBabar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have won many matches for us,\u201d says spinner, defending out-of-form seniors colombo Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has defended senior duo Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi despite their recent poor form, ahead of Pakistan\u2019s must-win clash against Namibia on Wednesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Speaking […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":532015,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-531998","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n