Pakistan experienced a devastating defeat, losing by a mere two wickets to Sri Lanka in the fifth Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2023 held on Thursday, September 14 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The team led by Babar Azam faced defeat on the final ball of the game when Charith Asalanka managed to secure six crucial runs from the last two balls, propelling Sri Lanka into the tournament's final.
In the aftermath of this loss, Azam Siddiqui, Babar's father, released an extensive statement addressing the backlash faced by his son following Pakistan's elimination from the Asia Cup 2023. Siddiqui took to his verified Instagram account, sharing that Babar was left speechless in the wake of Pakistan's defeat and found it difficult to have a conversation with him.
"Salam Pakistan. Pakistan played the whole match with half the players and lost on the last ball with a four of a flock. But in this match, I have been shown a total superstar bowler Zaman Khan, who was bowling very well even in high pressure. Win or lose game. It is a part of the team, but the team played the whole competition despite being in half," wrote Siddiqui on his social media account.
"Inshallah, when everyone is fit in the World Cup, it will be fun to see the competitions. Allah only sees what happens with intention and action from the heart. Whether he accepts it or not, He is my Lord. I think the team has sacrificed their lives. Let's encourage the team at this time and make their hearts big. This is patriotism. Long live Pakistan. (I just talked to Babar, he was not able to talk. I told him, "Braves live or learn." Never break), " he added.
While Pakistan scored 252/7 batting first in their alloted 42 overs, due to the DLS method kicking in Sri Lanka were given a target of exactly that many runs in 42 overs which they got to off the final ball.