The excitement surrounding the England’s visit back to Pakistan following 17 years disappointed when the hosts were beaten to a loss of six wickets during the first match in the 7-match Twenty20 International series on Tuesday.
Babar Azam’s team will look to joy to the Karachi crowd that gathered in large numbers when they play to beat the series in the National Stadium on Thursday.
The victory of England has raised new questions about the fragility of Pakistan’s middle-order , as it collapsed despite an explosive opening from the openers. Babar was blunt in his assessment of what the team needed to improve going ahead in the series , which serves as a warm-up match for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“Our batters must be more aggressive,” Babar said after the defeat. “The manner we performed on the opening Powerplay was fantastic. Within 10 runs, we saw an increase in momentum which you must give credit to England for. There weren’t enough big partnerships.”
After Babar’s dismissal midway through the 10th over, at a time when the hosts were with 85-1 Pakistan were unable to add any runs more and England hit 158 runs with just four balls left.
Although the visitors were buoyed thanks to Harry Brook’s 43 over the line when the right-hander was introduced at five The best middle-order performance by Pakistan was a 17-ball performance by Iftikhar Ahmed.
At the age of three and four Haider Ali, the first player to play his T20I following December as well as rookie Shan Masood, contributed a total of 18 runs over 20 balls.
Babar’s other opener and vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan, who top-scored for Pakistan with a 68-ball 46 in the opening match said Pakistan were a work-in-progress progress and are currently in the process of finding their ideal team for this year’s World Cup.
“There are some adjustments that are being implemented and we are working on developing a lineup in the batting line-up and, in these circumstances there are a few errors that can be expected,” Rizwan told reporters at the press conference after the match.
“I believe it’s unfair to pick and choose at this point We are working to find solutions before World Cup. World Cup.
Rizwan and Babar, while ignoring criticism directed at Pakistan’s middle-order He claimed that it was his and Babar’s consistency as partners which was preventing other batters of the opportunity to the other batters at the field.
“It can be said that we’re having some issues in the present, however it must be remembered that me and Babar get more time in the crease , and the middle order hasn’t had the opportunity for a moment of glory,” said the wicket-keeper. “But I am of the opinion that we must focus on improving our strike-rate.”
Rizwan believes the middle-order has been unfairly criticized following a few disappointing performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup. The 30-year-old claimed that the team’s management’s faith in the team remains intact.
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“The middle-order was not successful in only two matches at the Asia Cup, which is making it appear as if it’s struggling,” said Rizwan.
“I’m certain and we are convinced it will come up in the event of a need.”
KARACHI IMPRESSES HALES
The National Stadium is expected to be full yet again during the 2nd T20 also and Pakistan will be forced to be able to use the position of their 12-man. The crowd was enthralled by their cheers for Pakistan players during the opening game , but they were equally enthused of England’s performance.
It was something England opening batsman Alex Hales — whose 40-ball 53 played a part in helping England to lead the match — was amazed by when he returned to international cricket following three long years.
It was not the first time that the right-handed player played in the city. Hales has played 15 times in the stadium when playing with Pakistan Super League sides Karachi Kings and Islamabad United.
“I’ve played before full-house crowds in Karachi It’s something special, and it’s one of the most enjoyable atmospheres in cricket.” Hales told reporters following the match.
“I have heard some players Luke Wood say [that] the midwicket was his position when the game began. game. I was awestruck by the volume of the crowd and the atmosphere.
“Karachi has put on an amazing show for tonight.”
Hales admitted that his comeback from being dropped from the international squad and then getting a win upon his return was something would be a dream for him.
“Three years seemed like forever, but to come out there today and score 50 points for the team that won is the stuff dreams are made out of,” said the 33-year-old.
