T20 World Cup: Azhar Mahmood opens up on Pakistan team's morale after India defeat

NEW YORK: Pakistan team's assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has revealed the atmosphere of the team after a demoralising T20 World Cup defeat to India in New York.

Babar Azam and Co. failed to chase a 120-run target and were restricted by India on 113/7. This was Pakistan's second defeat in the competition.

"After two defeats, everyone is quite disheartened. Losing against India is more disappointing than a defeat against the USA," he said.

"At the moment, everyone's morale in the team is down, it's necessary to lift it as we can still bounce back and we won't lose hope until it's over," he added.

Mahmood blamed Pakistan batters' shot selection as the main cause of the defeat.

"Our shot selection wasn't right, which led to a run rate of 10. We were playing well until the 15th over. We lost as a team and can't blame individuals," he maintained.

He accepted that the team management is also responsible for the defeat.

"The responsibility of failure lies with the entire management, we all have made mistakes," he said.

"If a player starts doubting their ability, it becomes very difficult. If we play with confidence in ourselves, it will prove everyone wrong.

"Now there's no room for misunderstandings. If someone considers any opponent easy, they don't have a place in international cricket," he stated.

Pakistan need to win the next two games against Canada and Ireland in order to qualify for the Super 8.

"There are players in Canada who can perform against us. We have to win this match at all costs now," he concluded.

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