Sam Curran and Ben Stokes powered England to their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title after 2010. They defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a low-scoring final at the Melb♛ourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday, November 13.
However, it was not a one-sided affair as Pakistan bowlers made England batters sweat to chase a target of 138. While fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf made it difficult for England to keep their wickets, all-r𝕴ouꩵnder Ben Stokes kept calm and led his team over the finish line.
After the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam denie♎d that hi⛦s team felt the pressure of the occasion and highlighted the key reason behind their defeat.
“Bowlers did a decent job in the middle overs but Shaheen’s injury cost us,” Babar said in the post-match press conference.
“It could’ve been a different result [had Shaheen stayed on]. So disappointed.
“The fight in the bowling was good. Had Shaheen been there could’ve made things different,” added Babar when asked to reveal the crucial 🧔moment of the match.
Shaheen sustained the injury in the 13th over of the second innings. He returned to bowl the 15th over but had to g❀o off the field after bowling the first delivery.
Throwing light on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign, which started with two last-bal𝄹l defeats and ended with a great final against England, Babar said thaಌt the early setback was unexpected.
“We weren’t expecting to lose the first two; people and us both. But how we’ve come back; grabbed chances, I’m proud of the team as a captain.
“The middle order stepped up; individual performances also helped and showed up.
“I’m happy as a captain,” concluded Babar.
Pakistan will now concentrate on winning the ODI World Cup next year, which will take place in India.
