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Pakistan ‘had USA’s NRR in mind but..’: Babar Azam explains rationale behind slow batting vs Canada

Pakistan ‘had USA’s NRR in mind but..’: Babar Azam explains rationale behind slow batting vs Canada

If Pakistan had managed to chase the runs within 14 overs, they could have overtaken USA's net run rate.

Pakistan now have bigger worries than just merely winning games in the T20 World Cup. After losing the first two games against USA and India respectively, Pakistan logged their first points of the tournament with a win against Canada. However, in addition to winning the remaining matches, Babar Azam and co also have to overcome USA’s net run-rate to provide themselves any chance of qualifying to the Super Eight.

Pakistan lose chance to better USA’s NRR

They had a good chance to do that on Tuesday when they chased Canada’s target of 107 runs. If Pakistan had managed to chase the runs within 14 overs, they could have overtaken USA’s net run rate. However, Pakistan adopted a more cautious approach, winning the tie in the 18th over. Pakistan captain Babar Azam after the match said they knew what they had to do to better USA’s NRR but the pitch made it difficult.

“Good for us, we need this win. We started well with the bowling, in the first six overs we know we had to be up to the mark,” Babar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

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It was in our mind (to get over USA’s net run rate), to win before 14 overs but the pitch made it difficult,” he added.

Group A heating up

India are leading Group A with two wins from two matches, followed closely by USA with the same number of victories. Pakistan have moved up to third place with two points from three games, ahead of Canada and Ireland.

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