Babar Azam urges teammates not to get over-excited in dressing-room speech
October 25, 2021 01:07 PM
Pakistan have always come across an unpredictable side in major tournaments. On their day, they can beat the best in the world, but their bad day can crush the spirits of fans watching them back home.
However, on Sunday, in their T20 World Cup 2021 opener against India, Pakistan displayed clarity and courage that has not been their hallmark in the recent past. Led by Babar Azam, Pakistan were steely and determined as they hammered India by 10 wickets and ended their long wait for a win against their arch-rivals in a World Cup match.
Speaking after their historic win, captain Babar Azam urged his teammates to not get over-excited about their win over India and reminded them that their goal is to head home with the T20 World Cup trophy.
Babar Azam, in his candid speech, acknowledged that Pakistan have lost focus in the past but told his teammates that he believes this bunch of players will be able to change that habit and get the job done.
"This is not individual performance. We have won the match as a team. We can't let our momentum go. This is the start. Enjoy but don't get overexcited," Babar told his teammates in the video shared by Pakistan Cricket Board.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqf4ecBtKhk
"We can enjoy tomorrow but we should start focusing again because we have a match the day after tomorrow. This match is gone now. Our focus is one. What is that? We have to win the World Cup.
"We can't afford to relax after this. Be it bowling, batting, or fielding, we have to give our 100 percent. As a team, we have won. We will enjoy it with our families, but we shouldn't get overexcited. Please, I am requesting you all. We can't afford to lose our focus
"Yeh hamari aadat hai. Yeh change karni hai humein (This is our habit. We need to change it). I have the belief in everyone... this will change. And we will only be able to change it. No one else. Very well done."
Babar Azam led from the front as he hit an unbeaten 68 from 52 balls along with his opening partner Mohammad Rizwan who smashed 79 from 55 balls as Pakistan gunned down 152 in just 17.5 overs.
Pakistan will next face New Zealand on Wednesday as they look to continue their spirited run in the T20 World Cup.