Pakistan coach Saqlain backs Babar and Rizwan after Asia Cup loss

12.09.2022 - 13:25 channelnewsasia.com

DUBAI : Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq dismissed concerns about captain Babar Azam's form and found nothing wrong with opener Mohammad Rizwan's batting approach after their loss to Sri Lanka in Sunday's Asia Cup final in Dubai.Babar, currently the second ranked Twenty20 (T20) batsman in the world behind team mate Rizwan, managed only 68 runs in six innings and his form would be a concern ahead of the 20-overs World Cup in Australia beginning next month."If someone looks at his batting, you'd just say he's unlucky, especially the way he's getting out," Saqlain said after their 23-run defeat by Sri Lanka."It's just a patch.

If you look at the rankings, he's (among the) top in T20 International and in ODIs. It's just been bad luck. The way he's training and playing it's amazing. "His work ethic is top notch."Babar's opening partner Rizwan topscored for Pakistan with 55 off 49 balls in Sunday's final but his traditional approach to batting appeared ill-suited for the 20-overs format."Every team and player have their own style and methods," former test spinner Saqlain said."It's not compulsory that you do what the rest of the world is doing ...

His approach is not wrong."Saqlain also dismissed suggestions of a left-right opening combination of Fakhar Zaman with either Babar or Rizwan."If you keep shuffling, it sends a message that you don't trust them," he said."You need to give them time.

cup loss Babar Azam Australia Dubai Sri Lanka Pakistan

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Pakistan Coach Saqlain Mushtaq Defends Team's T20 Style After Asia Cup Final Defeat

Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq defended his team's Twenty20 playing style after losing Sunday's Asia Cup final, saying they were on the right track for next month's T20 World Cup. Babar Azam's side failed to chase 171 to beat Sri Lanka, their 23-run defeat bucking the trend of teams winning while batting second in Dubai. Mohammad Rizwan made 55 in 49 balls for Pakistan and finished as the tournament's leading scorer with 281 runs in six innings.

"From Outside, Anyone Can Give Comments": Pakistan Coach Defends Mohammad Rizwan's Approach

Sunday came as a disappointment for Pakistan's fans as their side faced a 23-run defeat in the summit clash of Asia Cup 2022 against Sri Lanka, at Dubai International Stadium. Pakistan, who were playing for their third Asia Cup title, were bundled out at 147 in the chase of 171 runs. There were low points in the match for the Babar Azam-led side but wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan's slow knock of 55 runs off 49 balls, utterly disappointed the fans and cricket pundits alike. The batter received a lot of flak from a section on social media but on a positive note, Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq came in his defense and said that nobody from outside knows what goes inside a dressing room and in a player's mind.

Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq backs Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan after Asia Cup loss

Asia Cup final in Dubai. Babar, currently the second ranked Twenty20 (T20) batsman in the world behind team mate Rizwan, managed only 68 runs in six innings and his form would be a concern ahead of the 20-overs World Cup in Australia beginning next month. "If someone looks at his batting, you'd just say he's unlucky, especially the way he's getting out," Saqlain said after their 23-run defeat by Sri Lanka.