T20 World Cup: 'Looking forward to the semifinals' - Babar Azam

Babar Azam led Pakistan registered a comfortable win over Bangladesh in their final group league game at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Sunday, November 6. With this and South Africa knocked out of the race, Pakistan reached the semi-final where they will face New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Wednesday, November 9.

As far as the game is concerned, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. They managed to put up 127 runs in their allotted 20 overs as well. Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 54 off 48 with 7 fours. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi claimed a four-wicket haul (4/22). While chasing, Mohammad Rizwan scored 35 whereas Mohammad Haris smashed a quickfire 18-ball 31 as well. And, they won the game with 11 balls and 5 wickets in hand.

After the win, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said: “It’s a team game. Cricket is a funny game. Appreciate all my team the way they played all matches. Pitch wasn’t easy to bat on. Little bit two-paced. Me and Rizwan decided to go long, but unfortunately didn’t work out. Haris showed aggression, good to see him play. Looking forward to the semifinals. All of us are excited to play.”

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However, Bangladesh had a rather forgettable campaign this season in the T20 World Cup. And, after the defeat, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan stated that it was tough to bat on this pitch as well.

Shakib said: “At the halfway stage we were 70/1. Wanted to get somewhere around 145-150 – would’ve been a reasonable total on that pitch. Knew it was going to be difficult for the new batters so wanted set batters to carry through to the end which didn’t happen. In terms of results, this is the best performance we had in T20 World Cups. Could’ve done better. But having said that, with the new guys coming in, with the changes, this is the best we could expect. On my own performance – I could’ve done better. As long as I’m fit and performing, I’d love to play.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan speedster Shaheen Afridi returned in form. He did exceptionally well and also won the Player of the Match award. He said: “I am improving day by day. Not easy to bowl at 140 after coming back from injury. We have played good cricket in the last few games. Team needed me to bowl well. We are looking forward to the final actually.”