Pakistan’s heavy defeat to India within the Asia Cup was a “timely reminder” for the workforce to get its act collectively earlier than subsequent month’s World Cup, head coach Grant Bradburn mentioned.
Babar Azam’s males suffered a crushing 228-run loss to India on Monday in a rain-hit Super Four conflict of the 50-over event, a prelude to subsequent month’s World Cup in India.
India posted 356-2 in Colombo after rain pressured the match right into a reserve day after which bowled out Pakistan for 128 in 32 overs to register its greatest ODI victory over its arch-rivals.
“My gut feeling is that we are grateful for the gift that has been this last two days,” Bradburn advised reporters after the drubbing.
“We don’t get to play some of the best players in the world very often,” he added.
“We haven’t lost a game of cricket for the last three months, so it’s a timely reminder that we need to turn up every day, put in our best on the park, and it’s actually a gift in the last two days we haven’t done that.”
Pakistan elected to bowl after Azam gained the toss, however the workforce quickly misplaced its grip after a 121-run opening stand between skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Also learn | Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s factors desk: India on prime after 228-run win vs Pakistan; Sri Lanka second
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul hit 122 and 111 respectively to increase India’s domination in an unbeaten stand of 233.
“We lost at all facets of the game,” Bradburn mentioned. “No excuses, we weren’t good enough in the last two days.”
Pakistan’s bowling, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, had rattled India’s prime order final week in an Asia Cup group sport, bowling them out for 266 earlier than the match was deserted due to rain.
But Rohit, Gill, Rahul and Kohli got here roaring again within the Super Four contest to take the assault to the bowlers.
Bradburn, a former New Zealand worldwide who performed seven Tests and 11 ODIs, mentioned Pakistan will be taught from the batting assault.
“Certainly wasn’t a surprise. Everyone’s seen how lethal our bowling attack is and good teams will counteract that,” he mentioned.
Azam began the event with 151 in opposition to minnows Nepal however Bradburn mentioned Pakistan’s batting nonetheless lacked firepower.
“Our batting unit hasn’t clicked in the past month and again, that is a positive sign,” he mentioned.
“We have full trust in them. We are very consistent with our selection. We know they will come right.”
Pakistan subsequent performs Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Source web site: sportstar.thehindu.com
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