Skipper Mohammad Rizwan said that Pakistan were let down big time in their second T20I against Australia due to multiple drop catches. On Saturday, Pakistan lost by 13 runs at the Sydney Cricket Australia to concede a 2-0 lead to Josh Inglis’ men.
Marcus Stoinis got two lifelines after Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi dropped him in the sixth and eighth overs. Later, Babar Azam dropped Tim David at mid-wicket. Rizwan lauded the bowlers, but said that the missed chances cost Pakistan.
Australia vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I Highlights
“Bowlers bowled really well. But if you drop crucial catches, it will cost you the game. We all know pitch wasn’t easy to bat. Catches were crucial,” Rizwan said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
After being asked to field first, Pakistan restricted Australia to 147 for the loss of nine wickets. Later, Pakistan were bowled out for 134 in 19.4 overs. Usman Khan and Irfan Khan scored 52 and 37 not out respectively, but their efforts went in vain.
‘Haris Rauf loves Australia’
Rizwan had words of praise for Haris Rauf, who got the wickets of Jake Fraser-McGurk, Inglis, David and Xavier Bartlett to finish with figures of 4-0-22-4. Rauf also equaled Shadab Khan’s record of most wickets for Pakistan in Men’s T20Is.
Rizwan said that Rauf enjoys bowling on Australian pitches because of the pace and bounce he can extract. “Haris loves Australia because of the pace and bounce,” Rizwan added. Abbas Afridi and debutant Sufiyan Muqeem took three and two wickets respectively.
After losing the series, Rizwan also refrained from commenting on any changes Pakistan may make for the third game. “Not sure about the changes for the third game. Will see what the situation demands,” Rizwan added.
The third and final T20I is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 18 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
