PAK vs ENG: “Shaheen Shah Afridi's Injury Put Us Off, But That's Part Of The Game” – Babar Azam After T20 World Cup 2022 Final Loss To England

Babar Azam-led Pakistan National Cricket Team failed to capture their second T20 World Cup title as they lost the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 against Jos Buttler-led England National Cricket Team at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday, November 13.

Losing the toss and batting first, Pakistan didn’t perform very well and they only managed to post 137/8 on the board. Shan Masood and Babar Azam were the top-2 performers for the Men In Green in the batting department. Masood scored 38 runs off 28 balls and Babar scored 32 runs off 28 balls.

ICC Teams Rankings | ICC Players Rankings

Defending the target, Pakistan bowlers leaked 49 runs in the powerplay, but they also dismissed Jos Buttler, Alex Hales and Phil Salt. In the middle overs, the Pakistani bowlers shifted the momentum towards their side.

However, Shaheen Shah Afridi suffered a knee injury while taking the catch of Harry Brook in the 13th over. The injury of the pace spearhead turned out to be a game-changing moment as he walked off the field after bowling 2.1 overs of his spell.

Till the very end, Pakistan bowlers did a great job, but the total was not at all enough and the star all-rounder Ben Stokes remained unbeaten and scored 52 runs off 49 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six, to help England win their second T20 World Cup title.

Our bowling is one of the best – Babar Azam

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Pakistan National Cricket Team captain Babar Azam congratulated the Three Lions for winning the World Cup. He also thanked the Pakistani supporters who went to the different venues in Australia to support the Men In Green. He said:

“Congratulations to England team. We felt like everyone came here to support us, thank you so much. The way the team has gone in the last four matches, incredible.”

Babar Azam further said that they were 20 runs short in the match. He added that Pakistan have got one of the best bowling attacks in the world, but the injury of pacer Afridi cost them the match. He stated:

“I told the boys to play their natural game, with freedom. We were 20 runs short but the fight to the last over was unbelievable. Our bowling is one of the best but unfortunately, Unfortunately Shaheen’s injury put us off, but that’s part of the game.”

Also Read: PAK vs ENG: Watch – Adil Rashid Takes A Brilliant Return Catch To Dismiss Babar Azam