Top-order batsman Saud Shakeel mentioned Pakistan have to be higher in each aspect after a six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India left the hosts on the point of a Champions Trophy exit.
Shakeel high scored with 62 as Pakistan have been dismissed for a below-par 241 in 49.4 overs in Sunday’s (February 23, 2025) blockbuster Group A conflict.
Tournament favourites India overhauled the goal in 42.3 overs with a masterly unbeaten 100 by Virat Kohli.
Pakistan are hosts of the one-day occasion however the match passed off in Dubai in entrance of a packed 25,000 crowd after India refused to journey to their neighbour.
“We did not play well in all three departments and that is why this result has come and we have to accept this,” Shakeel advised reporters.
Pakistan have been lifted by a third-wicket stand of 104 between Shakeel and skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 46, however each fell in successive overs within the house of eight runs.
Shakeel mentioned these wickets harm Pakistan.
“We are losing wickets in bunches and are not building big partnerships,” he mentioned. He added: “When we were batting the pitch played slow. We tried to bat deep but it did not happen.
“I am sure fans will be disappointed, just like we are.”
The defeat left Pakistan on the backside of Group A with two losses in as many video games. They now need different outcomes to go of their favour to stay in rivalry for the semi-finals.
“Some things did not go in our favour,” mentioned spinner Abrar Ahmed, however agreed with Shakeel. “We have to change a lot of things within the group.
“This tournament is like that — you go out if you lose one match. We have to improve our batting and have to do more work on bowling.”
Pakistan face Bangladesh of their final group match in Rawalpindi on Thursday, however each will already be eradicated if Bangladesh lose to New Zealand afterward Monday.
Pakistan is internet hosting a significant worldwide cricket event for the primary time in almost three many years.
Published – February 25, 2025 04:45 am IST
