Sam Curran and Ben Stokes powered England to their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title after 2010. They defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a low-scoring final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday, November 13.
However, it was not a one-sided affair as Pakistan bowlers made England batters sweat to chase a target of 138. While fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf made it difficult for England to keep their wickets, all-rounder Ben Stokes kept calm and led his team over the finish line.
After the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam denied that his team felt the pressure of the occasion and highlighted the key reason behind their defeat.
“Bowlers did a decent job in the middle overs but Shaheen’s injury cost us,” Babar said in the post-match press conference.
“It could’ve been a different result [had Shaheen stayed on]. So disappointed.
“The fight in the bowling was good. Had Shaheen been there could’ve made things different,” added Babar when asked to reveal the crucial moment of the match.
Shaheen sustained the injury in the 13th over of the second innings. He returned to bowl the 15th over but had to go off the field after bowling the first delivery.
Throwing light on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign, which started with two last-ball defeats and ended with a great final against England, Babar said that the early setback was unexpected.
“We weren’t expecting to lose the first two; people and us both. But how we’ve come back; grabbed chances, I’m proud of the team as a captain.
“The middle order stepped up; individual performances also helped and showed up.
“I’m happy as a captain,” concluded Babar.
Pakistan will now concentrate on winning the ODI World Cup next year, which will take place in India.
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