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The ODI World Cup 2023 has taken the cricketing world by storm, offering moments of sheer brilliance and heartbreak in equal measure. For the Pakistan cricket team, led by the charismatic Babar Azam, the tournament has been a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs.
Pakistan’s rollercoaster ride in the ODI World Cup 2023
Although the Pakistan cricket team started their campaign with two impressive wins, they have since experienced a string of three consecutive losses that have left their journey in turmoil. Their most recent defeat came against Afghanistan and was not just another loss but a devastating eight-wicket setback that left fans and players alike in sheer disappointment.
The Afghan side’s victory over Pakistan marked a historic moment in the cricketing history of Afghanistan, as it was their first-ever win against the Green Team in an ODI.
Babar Azam’s post-match disappointment
Following the match, the pain and disappointment on the faces of the Pakistani players were clearly visible, with skipper Babar himself wearing a sombre expression. In his post-match comments, the Pakistan skipper admitted the depth of the loss and the pain it had caused.
“Yes, we have lost against Afghanistan. Yes, it hurt us a lot,” said Babar.
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Mohammad Yousuf’s Revelation of Babar Azam breaking down into tears
What made this loss even more poignant was the revelation of Babar crying after the defeat by Pakistan’s former captain, Mohammad Yousuf. The veteran cricketer disclosed that he heard of Babar being so hurt by the defeat that he shed tears in the dressing room after the match. Yousuf even extended his support to the 29-year-old and emphasized that the entire team and management should share the responsibility for this loss.
“I heard Babar Azam cried after the defeat against Afghanistan last night. It’s not only Babar’s fault; the entire team and management are involved. We are with Babar Azam in this tough time, and the entire nation is with him,” said Yousuf on a Pakistan TV show.
Babar’s impressive stats and the road ahead for Pakistan in ODI World Cup 2023
One of Pakistan’s most promising talents, Babar is currently the world’s no. 1 ranked ODI batter with impressive stats. With over 5400 runs in the 50-over format, including 19 centuries, he still stands as a beacon of hope for Pakistan in this World Cup. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan will next face South Africa at the MA Chidambaram stadium on October 27 and will be hoping for a resurgence.
