T20 World cup | Shan Masood encourages Pakistan to hope for miracle

Pakistan batsman Shan Masood advised that his “demoralized” squad must quickly recover. And keep faith if they want to rescue their fading T20 World Cup aspirations. Pakistan was stunned by Zimbabwe’s one run on Thursday in Perth, four days after agonizingly losing to India in their tournament opener.

T20 World cup | Shan Masood encourages Pakistan to hope for a miracle

As one of the pre-tournament favourites, they must now win every game they have left, beginning on Sunday against the Netherlands, and hope for the best in the rest of the tournament. Sikandar Raza, a Zimbabwean all-rounder born in Pakistan, grabbed three crucial wickets, including Masood, in the space of nine balls, causing Pakistan to falter in their quest after their spinners had failed.

Statements

“We have three games that are in our hands. Yes, we have to depend on few other results, but that’s the beauty of sport,” Masood. As he made 44 before Zimbabwe choked Pakistan to 129-8, told reporters in Perth.

“There are funny things that have happened in sport and we are going to believe and we are going to give it all in these three games.”

“There is a disappointment, no doubt. To lose two matches with fine margins is very demoralizing as we know the importance of every point in this group,” Masood said.

“But till the tournament doesn’t end, we can’t think ahead and can’t look ahead. What we can do now is to find our mistakes and to win the next three matches.”

He added: “To overcome this disappointment we have to come out on the ground and play well. It’s only a good performance on Sunday that will help us feel better.”

“Our combination works around them and they are the world’s best batsmen — world’s top-five T20 batsmen. Other than that it’s everyone’s responsibility. So, I don’t think anybody will hide from the fact they did not finish their job.”

“I think I was in a decent position to finish the game,” he said.

“And I will take it upon myself — these are the games you should win for your country, especially when you are the last leading batsman.

“I am very disappointed.”