Asia Cup 2022: “Pakistan Should Have Attacked With Pacers” – Rashid Latif, Moin Khan Blame Babar Azam's Captaincy For Loss In Final

Former Pakistan National Cricket Team captains Rashid Latif and Moin Khan have blamed Babar Azam’s captaincy for the defeat of the Men In Green in the Asia Cup 2022 final by 23 runs against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team on Sunday, September 11, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan National Cricket Team won the toss in the summit clash of the Asia Cup and the decision turned out to be beneficial for the side initially as bowlers reduced Sri Lanka to 58/5 in 8.5 overs.

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After that, skipper Babar decided not to attack with the pacers and chose to bowl Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan. Also, Mohammad Nawaz got to bowl just one over in the match.

During that phase, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga had an amazing partnership that helped Sri Lanka gain momentum. The duo added 58 runs in 36 balls. After Hasaranga’s dismissal, Rajapaksa and Chamika Karunaratne had an unbeaten 54 runs partnership in 31 balls that helped Sri Lanka post 170/6 on the board.

Chasing the target, Pakistan lost quick wickets of Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman while Mohammad Rizwan batted very slow and in the end, Pakistan were bowled out for 147.

Speaking after the match, Latif mentioned that the momentum shifted towards Sri Lanka after Pakistan chose to bowl spinners in the middle overs.

“When they were 58 for 5, it seemed the target would be 120-130. But Wanindu Hazaranga received pressure of Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Runs kept coming from 11th over on to the 15th. He took the game in his hands and Rajapaksa too started,” Rashid Latif told PTV.

If I were the captain, I would have bowled out Haris Rauf after five wickets fell – Rashid Latif

Latif further said that if he was the skipper he would have attacked with the pacers after Sri Lanka were reduced to 58/5. He was also disappointed to see the approach of the Pakistan batters during the run-chase.

“The biggest mistake was in bowling. If I were the captain, I would have bowled out Haris Rauf after five wickets fell and gone for wickets. Instead, Babar bowled part-time spinner. That surprised me. The main spinner was Mohammad Nawaz and you gave him just one over then.

“I wouldn’t even have bought him but attacked with fast bowlers. No wickets fell from the 8th to 15 and the run rate also kept climbing. And in our chase too, we batted slowly. Chase aisey nahi hote (This is not how you chase)” Latif said. 

Ex-Pakistan captain Moin Khan agreed with Latif’s comments and said that Babar was dragging the match while thinking about final overs, which is negative thinking.

“We should have attacked with our main bowlers, the fast bowlers. That’s what common sense says. I don’t know why Babar was dragging the match.

“I guess he started thinking about the final overs. That’s negative thinking. Then you can’t plan. When you are positive, you could have gone all-out.”

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: It’s Just Been Bad Luck – Saqlain Mushtaq When Asked About Babar Azam’s Rough Patch

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