Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam reacts after his team’s defeat during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Afghanistan in Chennai on October 23, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP

A disappointed Pakistan captain Babar Azam on Monday admitted that his side’s bowling attack was not up to the mark after Afghanistan beat them by eight wickets in yet another World Cup upset in Chennai.

Afghanistan chased down the target of 283 with six balls to spare with openers Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113 balls) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53 balls) setting up the win.

One-down Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chipped in with 77 not out and 48 not out respectively as Afghanistan continued their giant-killing spree. They had shocked defending champions England earlier in the tournament.

The stunning loss literally pushed Pakistan on the brink of elimination.

“We had a good total, but in bowling, we were not up to the mark because we weren’t taking wickets in the middle overs,” Babar said at the post-match presentation.

“In a World Cup, if you are not good even in one department, you lose. We started well while bowling, but we couldn’t take wickets.” He gave credit to Afghanistan for the win.

“We are not playing good cricket, (especially) in bowling and fielding,” he said.

“The pitch was helping the spinners even in the second innings. There was no pressure on their batsmen.” Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said the win “tastes nice”.

“The way we chased today, was very professional. We have been quality cricket from a couple of years. We will try our best to play positive cricket, and do a lot for our country.

“Today, bowling was very good, especially spin bowling. We gave a chance to Noor, and he showed. The game was in our hands from the beginning till the end.” Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his 87 in Afghanistan’s run chase, said he played with a positive intent.

“Thankful that I performed well in this event. I wanted to play with a positive intent,” he said.

“Many times Gurbaz and I have done a brilliant partnership together. We have played a lot of cricket together, right from the Under-16 days. I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country.” Former captain and senior player Mohammad Nabi said the win was a big moment for the whole of Afghanistan, having lost every game that they played against the bitter rivals from 2012.

“We have played eight games against Pakistan, and won in a big event. It’s a lovely moment today. We beat England as well, and now Pakistan. The team is confident now.

“(Earlier) in the last moments, we used to lose the game (to Pakistan). We thought it was the same wicket like against New Zealand, but it was totally changed.

“A lot of close games, and this is a fantastic feeling. We shouldn’t have lost against Bangladesh. But now half the tournament is gone.”

Pakistan opening batsman Saeed Anwar is seen during his monumental knock of 194 against India in Chennai on May 21, 1997.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu ArchivesN

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq will channel the spirit of record-setting compatriot Saeed Anwar and his country’s winning relationship with Chennai on October 23 in an effort to revive the team’s World Cup campaign.

Pakistan tackle Afghanistan at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium where in 1997, flamboyant left-handed opener Anwar hit a monumental 194 against India.

At the time it was the highest individual ODI score while Anwar’s heroics also gave Pakistan a 35-run win over their arch-rivals.

Pakistan maintained their two-game undefeated run at the stadium with a six-wicket win over India in 2012.

“We have a great record at this venue, so I am sure that will be a motivation,” said Haq, who was only two when Anwar blitzed the India team which featured the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in 1997.

“Although I don’t have any memory of Saeed Anwar’s record, that too will be a motivation.”

Pakistan started the World Cup with wins over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka but the 1992 champions then suffered back-to-back losses to India and Australia.

They have slipped to fifth in the 10-nation table with the top four going through to the semi-finals.

“We have to admit we did not play well in those games,” said Haq on Sunday.

“We were not up to the mark, did not get the execution right and defeat always lowers morale.”

Haq scored 36 against India in Ahmedabad but Pakistan collapsed from 155-2 to 191 all out, losing by seven wickets.

The 27-year-old then scored 70 against Australia in a daunting chase of a 368-run target in Bengaluru where Pakistan slipped to a 62-run defeat.

“We dropped crucial catches and that hurt,” said Haq.

David Warner was on 10 when he was dropped by Usama Mir off Shaheen Shah Afridi — he went on to make 163 and share a record Australian World Cup opening stand of 259 with Mitchell Marsh who compiled 121.

“You will see a new thing tomorrow. We want to go to Kolkata with four wins in six games,” said Haq, whose team will also face South Africa in Chennai on Friday.

Haq also played down the threat posed by Afghanistan’s spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi at a venue renowned as a slow bowlers paradise.

“We know this ground favours spinners and they have quality spin bowlers but we have beaten them 3-0 recently in a one-day series in Sri Lanka under the same conditions,” said Haq.

“We all know Afghanistan is a good team and in these conditions they will be tough but we are ready for that and will execute our plans.”