In a stark reality check, Pakistan’s heavy defeat to India in the Asia Cup has set off alarm bells for the team as they prepare for next month’s World Cup, according to head coach Grant Bradburn.
Babar Azam’s side faced a resounding 228-run loss to India in a Super Four clash of the 50-over tournament held in Colombo. Rain interruptions had forced the match into a reserve day, further building anticipation for a contest that served as a precursor to the impending World Cup in India.
India, batting first, posted an imposing total of 356-2. In response, Pakistan struggled and was bowled out for a mere 128 runs in 32 overs, resulting in India securing their most significant One Day International (ODI) victory over their arch-rivals.
Speaking candidly after the demoralizing defeat, Bradburn shared his perspective, stating, “My gut feeling is that we are grateful for the gift that has been these last two days.”
He continued, emphasizing the importance of facing formidable opponents, “We don’t get to play some of the best players in the world very often.”
Highlighting the necessity for consistency and relentless effort, Bradburn stressed, “We haven’t lost a game of cricket for the last three months, so it’s a timely reminder that we need to turn up every day, put in our best on the park, and it’s actually a gift in the last two days we haven’t done that.”
Despite winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan’s fortunes quickly turned after a formidable 121-run opening partnership between Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul further solidified India’s dominance, amassing individual scores of 122 and 111, respectively, in an unbroken partnership of 233 runs.
Reflecting on the performance, Bradburn conceded, “We lost at all facets of the game. No excuses, we weren’t good enough in the last two days.”
Pakistan’s bowling, spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, had previously posed a challenge to India’s top order during an earlier Asia Cup group stage match, dismissing them for 266 before rain intervened.
However, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli demonstrated a resounding comeback in the Super Four contest, effectively countering the bowling attack.
Bradburn, who has a wealth of experience as a former New Zealand international, acknowledged the need for Pakistan to adapt, saying, “Certainly, it wasn’t a surprise. Everyone’s seen how lethal our bowling attack is, and good teams will counteract that.”
While Babar Azam started the tournament impressively with a score of 151 against Nepal, Bradburn commented on Pakistan’s batting, emphasizing their need to discover their full potential, stating, “Our batting unit hasn’t clicked in the past month, and again, that is a positive sign. We have full trust in them. We are very consistent with our selection. We know they will come right.”
Pakistan is set to face Sri Lanka in their next match on Thursday.
Source AFP
