Babar Azam positive team will bounce back in remaining T20Is

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is positive that the national team will bounce back from the defeat in second twenty20 international (T20I) and win the four-match series against South Africa.

Talking to media in a virtual presser after the second T20I, the 26-year-old said he was not at all worried about the series outcome. “It was just a bad day for us and I am confident we have all the resources to come out of this defeat and put up a better and more resolute performance in the rest of the two matches to take the series,” Babar said.

The Pakistani skipper said the team would enter the third T20 at Centurion today with new vigor. “We were caught on a bad day at the Wanderers,” he said following Pakistan’s six-wicket defeat at the venue.

“The main reason for the lackluster performance was a low total we put in on the board for South Arica to chase. When you lose too many wickets in the power-play while batting first, things get tougher for you. That was exactly what happened to us. We lost some quick wickets in the first six overs that pegged us down.”

Babar said that the slow start in the second T20 and fear of losing more wickets never allowed the team to go all out. “Together with Hafeez, I tried to make amends but once he got out things again got tougher for us. I think that partnership was crucial. We should have stayed there longer,” he said.

Stressing on the need of taking early wickets, the captain said it is vital to restrain the flow of runs. “Bowlers must realise that it is very important to take wickets regularly in order to halt the run flow,” Babar said. “That will be our effort during the next two matches. I am hopeful and confident we will win the next two matches.”

The final two T20Is between Pakistan and South Africa will be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The four-match series is currently leveled at 1-1.