Babar Azam-led Pakistan National Cricket Team lost the Asia Cup 2022 final by 23 runs against Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka National Cricket Team on Sunday, September 11, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
During the post-match presentation ceremony, Pakistan National Cricket Team skipper Babar Azam said that they dominated Sri Lanka in the first 8 overs, but the partnership between Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne turned out to be a game changer. He said:
“Congratulations to Sri Lanka for playing outstanding cricket. We dominated them for the first eight overs, but the partnership that Rajapaksa got was amazing. This was a true wicket and it is always nice playing in Dubai.”
Babar Azam further said that they didn’t bat according to their potential and in the bowling department they gave away 15-20 extra runs. Also, he admitted that the fielding of Pakistan was poor. He asserted:
“We didn’t bat according to our potential. We started well, but we gave away 15-20 extra runs and couldn’t finish well. A lot of positives for us to take. In final, the margin for mistakes is lesser. Our fielding wasn’t up to the mark and the batting couldn’t finish it off well. But Rizwan, Naseem and Nawaz were positives. Ups and downs will be there, but it would be nicer if we made lesser mistakes.”