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COLOMBO — Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq said Tuesday the team has “worked on its mistakes” and remains confident of beating Namibia to qualify for the T20 World Cup Super Eights, despite the heavy defeat to India.
Pakistan must win Wednesday’s final group match in Colombo to advance. A loss would eliminate the 2009 champions, with the USA currently holding the second qualification spot behind India on net run rate.
“Lifting the team is only difficult when you don’t work on your mistakes committed in the last game,” Tariq told reporters. “We have worked on our mistakes, so I think it will not be a tough task. We have a resolve not to commit the same mistakes again.”
Fan Disappointment Acknowledged
Pakistan were heavily criticized after asking India to bat first, then folding for 114 in 18 overs while chasing 176. Tariq said the team understands the frustration back home.
“We can feel their disappointment because the match is watched by the whole nation,” he said. “So we feel their pain, but I am sure when we play them next, we will put up a better show.”
No Panic on Star Players
Tariq dismissed speculation that captain Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi could be dropped after poor performances against India.
“Both Azam and Shaheen have won many matches for Pakistan, so if they did not perform well in one game, we should not write them off,” Tariq said.
Qualification Scenarios
A Pakistan win over Namibia—who have lost all three group matches—would secure their Super Eights spot. However, if Pakistan loses, the Netherlands could still qualify with a big victory over co-hosts India in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
Pakistan have faced Namibia only once before in T20 internationals.
“Whoever we play, we have the confidence to beat them,” Tariq added. “Our goal is to play the final and win the cup, which we will try our best to achieve.”
