Usman Tariq backs Babar, Shaheen ahead of must-win Namibia clash

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has thrown his support behind senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, dismissing concerns over their recent form ahead of Pakistan’s crucial T20 World Cup clash against Namibia.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Tariq said the experienced duo had delivered match-winning performances for Pakistan in the past and deserved backing.

“Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have won many matches for us. Winning and losing are part of the game. Going forward, you will see us play well,” he said.

Reflecting on the team’s approach after defeats, Tariq said internal discussions focus on identifying mistakes and avoiding their repetition.

“After the match, the discussion is always about what mistakes we made. If one match doesn’t go well, that’s part of the game,” he stated, adding, “Problems arise when you don’t work on your mistakes. We have worked on our mistakes. If we don’t repeat them, there won’t be any problem.”

Pakistan are looking to bounce back after their loss to India, where a spin-heavy strategy failed to deliver. India posted 175/5 in 20 overs, while Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs during the chase.