Asia Cup 2022: How Pakistan’s batting approach at top backfired in tournament and cost them the title

Pakistan were left heartbroken as they suffered a 23-run defeat against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022 final on Sunday in Dubai. Despite seizing early advantage by winning the toss and opting to bowl in Dubai, a venue where chasing teams have won more often than not, Pakistan failed to chase 171 as they were bundled out for 147 in 20 overs.

Pakistan looked promising throughout the tournament but it was the poor planning by their top order which backfired and ultimately cost them the Asia Cup title.

Asia Cup 2022: From underdogs to champions — what worked for Sri Lanka

Talking particularly about their batting approach, Pakistan team is highly dependent on their top three batters – Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman. Even in the last T20 World Cup, this trio contributed 70 per cent of Pakistan’s runs. In a scenario where they fail to fire, there aren’t many options in the middle-order to take up the responsibility and this was quite evident when the Men in Green collapsed to 120 for 8 from 93 for 2 in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka.

Now, that’s how champions celebrate!