ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Do Not Get Over-Excited After Beating India: Babar Azam Warns His Teammates

Pakistan captain Babar Azam bewared his teammates to not get over-excited after their emphatic win against arch-rivals India on Sunday in their first match of the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan created a historic moment as they won their first game in a World Cup against arch-rival India by 10 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

After Shaheen Afridi-led Pakistan bowlers routed the Indian batters for a modest total of 151/7 in the first innings, openers Mohammad Rizwan and Babar himself steer Pakistan to an emphatic victory as they chased the target with 13 balls to spare.

Babar (68*) and Rizwan (79*) nullified the Indian bowlers after the dew came in to play during the chase.

Our focus is to win the T20 World Cup: Babar Azam

The Pakistan captain warned his teammates to not get over-excited after the big win against their neighbours and pointed at clinching the T20 World Cup.

“Look guys, this win was not a result of any individual performance. We gave a complete team performance and we do not have to let go off this. This is just a start, enjoy it, but do not over-excited after beating India,” Babar Azam said in a video posted by the official Twitter handle of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“We need to look ahead and our focus is to win the T20 World Cup. We will never be relaxed, just look to give our 100 per cent. Do not get over-excited,” he further added.

We have a habit of being inconsistent: Babar Azam

In the 2016 T20 World Cup, after winning their first game against Bangladesh, Pakistan lost their remaining three games in the group stage, and hence they failed to qualify for the knockout round.

Babar Azam said that his side must change with this approach and maintain their consistency in the showpiece event.

“We have a habit of being inconsistent, but please do not do this. We have to change this and it will hopefully. Well done boys for the win against India,” the Pakistan skipper asserted.

Pakistan will play against New Zealand in their next match on October 26 in Sharjah.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2021: First Time We’ve Beaten India, I Feel Proud – Shaheen Afridi