Babar cautions against stoking ‘blame game’ after semi-final defeat

Team’s unity should not be affected by a single defeat, says Green Shirts’ captain

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has advised his teammates against involving in the blame game after Australia's thrilling victory against Green Shirts in the Twenty20 World Cup semi-final.

“Everyone is in pain due to what went wrong and what could have done better... but we have to learn from our mistakes,” the Pakistani skipper said in a short video clip on Twitter.

Babar Azam, Saqlain Mushtaq and Matthew Hayden are proud of their side despite a five-wicket defeat in #T20WorldCup semi-final. pic.twitter.com/kAem5PrWjj

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 11, 2021

Australia stunned Pakistan by five wickets in the second semi-final of ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Dubai on Thursday and will face New Zealand in the lucrative final on November 14.

Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis starred after the Aussies lost half of the side in the run chase. The Men in Green had posted 176-4 courtesy of a brilliant batting display by Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman.

While boosting the morale of the team, Babar said “no one should point a finger towards the others... we did not play well as a team”.

He said due to a single defeat, a bounding among the players must not be damaged. “It takes a lot of time to build a unit like this and as a team captain I will back all of you,” Babar added.

“I know everyone is heartbroken but this is a time to lift and help each other,” said the team captain while cautioning the team members not to involve in a blame game.

Also read: Pakistanis praise Green Shirts despite Australia dash T20 World Cup hopes

Babar also offered consolation to teammate Hasan Ali whose costly mistake in the field allowed Matthew Wade to secure Australia's thrilling victory in the Twenty20 World Cup semi-final.

Having conceded 44 runs in four wicketless overs, Hasan had more disappointment to face in the dramatic closing stages of the see-saw match at the Dubai International Stadium.

With Australia needing 22 runs off the last two overs, Wade took a wild swing at Shaheen Afridi's third ball and sent a skier towards Hasan who spilled the catch on the leg-side.

Wade responded by hitting three sixes in a row to complete an excellent chase against the tournament's form side.

"If the catch was taken then the scenario would have been different but it is part of the game," Babar told reporters.

"He is one of my main bowlers and he has won many matches for Pakistan. Players drop catches but he is a fighter and I will back him.

"Everybody doesn't perform every day. There is a day when one performs. It was just not his day. He is down and we will lift his mood."