PAK vs CAN: Pakistan team absolutely distraught, worried about the result vs Canada reveals Azhar Mahmood

Azhar Mahmood, assistant coach of the Pakistan National Cricket Team, revealed that everyone's morale in the team is down at the moment ahead of their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Group A clash with Canada on Tuesday, June 11, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Addressing Pakistan’s low morale following their disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 losses, including a particularly painful defeat against India in New York, Mahmood said that it is very important to lift the morale of the national team first by winning their next game against Canada.

Pakistan can still bounce back in ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Azhar Mahmood

Despite making it to the finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the Pakistan cricket team has been struggling to find form in the ongoing edition of the showpiece event, suffering defeats in their first two group games against the USA and India.

However, Mahmood believes that the Men in Green can still bounce back in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, stressing that Pakistan won't lose hope until it's over for them in the mega event.

Notably, Pakistan fell short of a modest 120-run target, managing only 113/7 despite being in a winning position in the high-stakes game, marking their second defeat against India in the World Cup. This defeat leaves Pakistan in a precarious position, with their chances of advancing to the Super-8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 now hanging by a thread

. Both the USA and India are currently leading the Group A points table with four points each, leaving Pakistan to secure victories in their remaining two matches against Canada and Ireland with big margins if they have any chances to progress into the Super-8 stage of the ongoing 20-team tournament.

Azhar Mahmood aims to boost Pakistan's morale after crushing loss to India

Azhar Mahmood said at the pre-match press conference ahead of the PAK vs CAN match: “After two defeats, everyone is quite disheartened. Losing against India is more disappointing than a defeat against the USA. At the moment, everyone's morale in the team is down, it's necessary to lift it as we can still bounce back and we won't lose hope until it's over.”

Meanwhile, Mahmood said that failing to capitalize on opportunities in the first 10 overs was a critical factor in their embarrassing loss to the Men in Blue despite controlling the game for a significant period before succumbing to their strong bowling attack in the latter stages.

The assistant coach further noted, “Our shot selection wasn't right, which led to a run rate of 10. We were playing well until the 15th over. We lost as a team and can't blame individuals. The responsibility of failure lies with the entire management, we all have made mistakes.”

As Pakistan prepares for their crucial Group A clash against Canada on June 11 in New York, the assistant coach acknowledged the players' disappointment but stressed that they still have a chance to rebound and keep their hopes alive in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Mahmood urged the Pakistan team to stay focused and work on their game plan to ensure a strong performance in their remaining games, as he remains hopeful of them turning their fortunes around. He added, “If a player starts doubting their ability, it becomes very difficult. If we play with confidence in ourselves, it will prove everyone wrong.”