By 
Pakistan captain Babar Azam is proud of his team’s rollercoaster T20 World Cup run, but believes pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi’s injury cost them victory in Sunday’s final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
After losing to India and Zimbabwe to start their campaign, the 2009 champions looked set to exit the tournament but made the semi-finals after the Netherlands surprised South Africa with an upset win.
Pakistan won four consecutive games to reach the final, but only managed a meagre 137-8 on Sunday after being put in to bat on a tricky track.
“We were probably 20 runs short with the bat but we started well with the ball in the first six overs and made a comeback in the middle overs,” Babar told reporters after their five-wicket defeat.
“Unfortunately, Shaheen got injured and that shifted the match in England’s favour. It could have been a different result but for Shaheen’s injury.”
Afridi, whose 13-1 two-over spell included the wicket of England’s in-form opener Alex Hales, returned to the field after receiving treatment but was only able to bowl one delivery before hobbling off.
Iftikhar Ahmed came in to finish the over and was hit for a six and a four by Ben Stokes, relieving England’s pressure.
Babar was pleased with how Pakistan came back from the brink of elimination to make the final.
“We did not start well but we grabbed our opportunity and won four matches,” he said.
“It’s always sad to reach the final and not win, and we had the same outcome in the Asia Cup. But of course we are proud we made the final.”
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