Srinagar: Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has said that the team was ‘heartbroken’ after going down against India at MCG in the T20 World Cup 2022 encounter.
The magical 82 run knock by Virat Kohli lead India to a thrilling four wicket win over Pakistan in front of more than 90 thousand fans at MCG on Sunday.
Pakistan have little room left for further error when they play Zimbabwe in Perth on Thursday.
“The hurt remains after losing such a big match. We were heartbroken,” said Iftikhar, who hit 51 in Pakistan’s 159-8.
Iftikhar said that morale was high despite the lingering heartache and praised skipper Babar Azam for his handling of the team in the aftermath of the India loss.
“We have to learn from our mistakes. Don’t fall, the tournament has just begun. We have lost as a team and will win as a team,” Azam said in the widely watched video footage.
“The way Babar and the management supported the players, it was good. Babar and coaches told us that ‘it was not our last game, everybody put in the effort’,” Iftikhar said on Wednesday.
Pakistan need a victory for their confidence too.
“Zimbabwe is an international team and we have to play strong against them like any other team,” said the 32-year-old Iftikhar.
“Important to play well and keep up the confidence. The players are hungry to perform.”
Pakistan pace bowler Haris Rauf bowled well at the MCG until he was hit for two successive sixes by Kohli in a game-changing moment at the end of the 19th over.
“The Australian pitches are fast and bouncy and we have prepared for that,” said Iftikhar.
“Haris is our main strike bowler and we expect him to bowl better here and win it for Pakistan.”