Knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday, a dissatisfied Pakistan captain, Salman Agha, admitted that his batters, apart from Sahibzada Farhan, did not do well within the tournament. He also stated that the middle-order batting has been an issue for them, with senior batter Babar Azam and Saim Ayub being dropped from Saturday’s Super Eights match because of poor form as well.
“We couldn’t bat well throughout the tournament. If Farhan had more support, it’d have been higher. Middle order has been an issue for a number of years now, we’ll have to have a look at that,” Agha said on the post-match presentation.
“Couldn’t finish the best way we desired to. We batted well 18 overs, opposition did well in the opposite two. Even 160 would’ve been difficult to defend,” Agha said. “(It) was all the time difficult after losing the toss due to dew. Could’ve been a distinct story had we won the toss. Dew was an element. We couldn’t execute plans. Usman (Tariq) had an off-day, it could occur.”
Invited to bat, Pakistan scored 212 for 8. Pakistan had to limit Sri Lanka to 147 or less to surpass Recent Zealand’s net run rate and reach the semifinals from Group 2 of the Super Eights as well. But they did not accomplish that as co-hosts, Sri Lanka ended at 207 for six.
“I desired to do well for the team” – Farhan
Adjudged the Player of the Match, Farhan also said that he felt sad as his ton couldn’t help his team reach the semifinals.
“(I) desired to do well for the team, wanted Fakhar to ton up actually. The ton didn’t work for the team, that’s why I’m sad,” he said. “I actually have been feeling well, that brings confidence. Knew I could hit whatever was in my arc. All credit goes to domestic cricket, it’s brought out the habit of scoring at pace and scoring big.”
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, who almost snatched a win for his side with a surprising late onslaught of 76 not out off just 31 balls, said that he could have finished the sport.
“It was an in depth game, I could’ve finished it. Well bowled to Shaheen,” said Shanaka. “Yes, we’re dissatisfied. I would like to make an apology to the fans. Unfortunately, we fell all the way down to injuries. In the longer term, I hope there aren’t any injuries. Missing two key bowlers in (Wanindu) Hasaranga and (Matheesha) Pathirana. Hope they’ll return soon and do well for Sri Lankan cricket.”
“Sometimes, as players, we feel pressure. It was a mistake, I’m sorry to fans for disheartening them. We’re all thankful for all of the support. (Pavan) Rathnayake is consistent, uses the crease well. We (also) have (Dunith) Wellalage, they (young players) are growing,” he concluded.
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