Babar Azam ‘dead bats’ television presenter’s 1992 World Cup reference

On November 13, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam had the opportunity to win the 20-20 World Cup 2022. His team locked horns with eventual champions, England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, the Green Brigade failed to do so as England went on to clinch their second title in the history of the tournament. Batting first, the 2009 winners managed to score 137/8 at the end of the innings.

In reply, despite Pakistani bowlers fighting back, the Three Lions managed to chase down the target, thanks to Ben Stokes‘ fifty. After the game, Pakistan’s skipper congratulated England and said that the Jos Buttler-led side deserved to win. Azam also thanked the fans who came to the venue for supporting the team despite the team not having the greatest of starts in the tournament.

“Congratulations to England, they deserve to be champions and fought well,” Babar said. The Pakistan skipper also thanked the fans for supporting the side despite its poor start to the tournament, where it lost the first two matches against India and Zimbabwe.

“We feel like home. They come and support us. Definitely, after first two loss, they hurt us but the way the team came back after those defeats was incredible,” said Babar.

I just asked the team to play their natural game: Babar Azam

During the presentation ceremony, the presenter came up with the 1992 World Cup reference. Notably, Pakistan and England played the 92 WC final at the same venue. A famous quote from the final  “play like caged tigers” by Imran Khan has been famous over the years. The presenter reminded Azam about the quote. In reply, the Lahore-player said that he just asked the players to play their natural game.

“I just tried to pass the message that play your natural game. We were 20 runs short, but the way we fought till the last over was unbelievable. Credit to the boys,” the Pakistan skipper said.