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Back-to-back defeats have seriously dented Pakistan’s chances of qualification for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2022. The Babar Azam-led side has played two cliffhangers and has failed to hold their nerves in both these games. While Pakistan could not defend 159 against India in their first game, they failed to chase 131 against Zimbabwe. The Men in Green lost the match by one run.
It was a shocking defeat for Pakistan considering how they fared last year. But the past few months have not been ideal for the last edition’s semifinalists. They lost 3-4 to England at their home. Before that, Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022 final. And now, they stare at the exit door at the T200 World Cup 2022 after the loss to Zimbabwe.
It was a dream-shattering loss for the Men in Green and their fans. Pakistan players could not believe what just happened. Many of them were also left in tears post this loss. The team’s vice-captain Shadab Khan was seen in tears as Pakistan failed to chase down the target set by Zimbabwe. Khan was on his knees in the dugout with his head almost buried to the ground and then had to be consoled.
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Very disappointing: Babar Azam
Pakistan captain Babar Azam was also disappointed with his team’s performance as he spoke at the post-match presentation. Azam held the batters accountable for the loss saying Pakistan were not up to the mark. “Very disappointing performance, we are not up to the mark in batting. We have good batters but both openers got out in the powerplay. When Shadab and Shan were building partnership, unfortunately Shadab got out and then back-to-back wickets that pushed us into pressure situation,” Azam said post the defeat.
Pakistan will have to rely on other results of Group 2 along with winning their three left games if they are hoping to qualify. However, the chances are very little. You can check how Pakistan can still qualify for the semifinals here.