Pakistan’s head coach Grant Bradburn said that Monday’s loss to India in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023 was a good lesson for the Green Shirts to get their act together before the World Cup. In response to the Green Shirts’ loss to India on Monday, which ended their three-month winning streak, Bradburn said he was “grateful” for the “timely reminder” that the last two days had been.
Loss to India a warning to ‘get our act together’, says Pakistan’s coach
After rain caused the match to be moved to a reserve day in Colombo, India scored 356-2 and then bowled out Pakistan for 128 in 32 overs to get their biggest One Day International (ODI) win over their biggest rivals. After Azam won the toss, Pakistan chose to bowl, but they soon lost control of the game after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put up 121 runs. In an unbroken stand of 233, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul hit 122 and 111 runs, respectively, to help India keep its lead.
India’s top order was shaken up by Pakistan’s batting, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, in an Asia Cup group game last week. They were bowled out for 266 runs before the game was called off because of rain. But Rohit, Gill, Rahul, and Kohli returned strong in the Super Four competition and took the spinners on. Bradburn, who played for New Zealand in seven Tests and eleven ODIs, said Pakistan will learn from the batsmen’s attack.
“Certainly wasn´t a surprise. Everyone´s seen how lethal our bowling attack is and good teams will counteract that,” Bradburn said.
Azam started the tournament with 151 against minnows Nepal but Bradburn said Pakistan´s batting still lacked firepower.
“Our batting unit hasn´t clicked in the past month and again, that is a positive sign,” he added.
“We have full trust in them. So, we are very consistent with our selection. We know they will come right.”
Pakistan next play Sri Lanka on Thursday.
