Babar Azam reacts to Pak Vs USA defeat in T20 World Cup opener

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Babar Azam, has spoken out following a disappointing start to the GreenShirts' T20 World Cup campaign, which saw them suffer a surprising defeat against co-hosts USA.

During the post-match conference on Thursday, Babar reflected on the team's performance, emphasising key areas where they faltered.

"In the first 6 overs with the bat, we didn't capitalise properly. We built some momentum after that but lost back-to-back wickets. In the middle overs, as a batsman, you have to step up and build a partnership. There was a little bit of moisture on the pitch (early on), and it was a bit two-paced, but this is not an excuse. As a professional, you need to assess the conditions. In the first six overs, I didn't capitalize properly," Babar said.

The 29-year-old also highlighted the team's struggle with the ball in the early stages.

"We weren't up to the mark with the ball in the first six overs. As usual, we aren't taking wickets in the first 6 overs, and then in the middle, your spinner is not taking wickets, so this cost us. In the end, we came back but couldn't finish well," he concluded.

In their T20 World Cup opener, Pakistan, batting first, set a target of 160 runs, which the USA equaled on the final ball, concluding their innings at 159-3.

During the Super Over, the USA faced Mohammad Amir from Pakistan and scored 18-1. In response, Pakistan fell short, scoring only 13-1, thus losing the match by five runs.

The USA approached their innings cautiously. Captain Monank Patel led the charge, scoring 50 runs before being dismissed by Mohammad Amir. As the game reached its climax, the USA needed 21 runs from the last 12 balls. Amir bowled an impressive over, conceding just six runs, leaving 15 runs to be defended in the final over.

Haris Rauf took over for the last over, but the situation turned against him. After being hit for a six on his fourth ball, the USA needed six runs from the last two balls. On the final delivery, with five runs required, Nitish Kumar hit a four, leveling the scores.