BENGALURU: The initial momentum was with Pakistan after two convincing wins and some crucial boxes ticked. They looked promising to go the distance. Then, they ran into India over the weekend.
While the pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dismantled the batting line-up, Rohit Sharma (86) and Shreyas Iyer (53 n.o) demolished an effective bowling attack.
Babar Azam and his men had a five-day break to recoup from the defeat, which may seem like optimum time, but in the intervening period, the psychological dent caused by the loss was compounded when many players contracted fever. When Pakistan take on Australia in a crunch contest here on Friday, it is important that they bring their A-game to the ground not just physically but also mentally.
Weighing in on the loss against India, Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali said, "We didn't play to our calibre. We have made mistakes, but it's not the end of the world. Nothing has changed. We lost and we were in pain. Our bowling was not up to the mark. But that is history now and we will learn from these mistakes."
The 29-year-old, who was a surprise inclusion after young pace sensation Naseem Shah was ruled out due to a shoulder injury, refuted the notion that the pace attack isn't as potent as expected. He backed Shaheen Shah Afridi in particular but conceded he was not fully fit. "Shaheen has won us many matches. I know he is not fit right now but soon he will be there. He is a champion, and he has delivered a lot of good performances for Pakistan."
At the Chinnaswamy stadium, the fact that this match will play a key role in the team's progress in the competition is not lost on Pakistan.
"Australia's batting line-up is very strong, but we also have experienced bowlers. We will try our best whatever the situation," said Ali. But the question on their inability to arrest runs in the middle overs was deflected by the pacer.
