Pakistan national cricket team batsman Babar Azam talked about his innings in the second innings of the ongoing second test against South Africa national cricket team. He said he was extremely disappointed with the way he went out as he couldn't finish well after the start.
Babar Azam was the shining light with the bat for the Pakistan national cricket team in the ongoing second Test against the South African national cricket team at Newlands in Cape Town. The lead batsman looked solid with the bat in both innings of the game and played impact shots.
Babar Azam innings of 81 runs in the second innings against South Africa
Babar was the lone warrior for his team in the first innings as he slammed a vital half-century but his effort was not enough. He was removed by Kwena Maphaka while caught on leg and after his wicket, Pakistan National Cricket Team were all out for 194 runs and a follow on was imposed.
Babar, in the second innings, looked extremely pleasing to the eyes. The lead batsman did not put a foot wrong in the innings and played a solid innings for his team. He slammed his second consecutive half-century of the match and added a 205-run opening partnership with skipper Shan Masood (102*).
Babar Azam looked set for a big ton but a lack of focus saw him out at the end of the day. The batsman went for a big drive to the ball which was well outside off and was caught in the gully region. He scored 81 runs off 124 balls and also hit 10 fours in the innings.
I am very disappointed with both the innings – Babar Azam
Babar Azam expressed his disappointment with the way he got out in both the innings. He stressed the need to score big when the batting is set and said he was very upset when he got out as only 15 minutes were left in the day's play.
He also spoke about the conditions at Newlands in Cape Town, saying they are different to Centurion and once the player is settled it becomes easier. Addressing reporters, he explained:
“I'm very disappointed with both halves. I started well, but I didn't finish well. If you calm down, you have to go a lot bigger. That's why I was a bit upset. There were only 15 minutes left.
“The conditions here are different to Centurion. When you come to South Africa, you don't expect that (the pitch will be so flat). With the new ball it was a bit difficult, but once you settle down and build a partnership, it became easier.”
I should have capitalized during our partnership but unfortunately it didn't happen – Babar Azam
Babar Azam also spoke about his partnership with Shan Masood, saying that he should have capitalized and added that their partnership brought Pakistan back into the game. He added:
“I should have capitalized during our partnership but unfortunately it didn't happen. In the second half my partnership with Shan helped us get back into the game a bit,” he concluded.