‘Hard to say now but those…’ – Babar Azam opens up on DRS decision during ODI World Cup 2023 match against South Africa

The Pakistan cricket team suffered a narrow one-wicket loss against in-form South Africa on October 27 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai, in the sixth game of the ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, Babar Azam and Co. had a terrific start to their campaign, as they won against the Netherlands in their opening game and thrashed Sri Lanka in their second game. Following that, hosts India, five-time world champions Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa thrashed them, which places them currently out of the semi-final race.

However, Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, feels the DRS in their favor could have changed the game if the umpire had given that call out. The 29-year-old skipper was extremely disappointed after their back-to-back losses in the ODI World Cup 2023. In addition, the top-order batsman feels their bowlers, especially spinners, fought well but could not cross the finishing line.

“We are very close, we did not finish well. Very disappointing for the whole team. We fought back very well. In the batting we were 10-15 short. The fast bowlers and spinners fought well but unfortunately it was not to be. It is part of the game, in DRS it is part of the game. Had he given it out, it would have favored us,” Babar Azam said during post-match presentation.

We will try our best in the next 3 matches and put our efforts and play for Pakistan: Babar Azam

The Lahore-born skipper feels they had the chance to be in the race for the semi-finals, but after the loss against the Proteas, they seem hopeless. However, the stylish right-handed batsman has talked about giving his best in the remaining games and wants to see where Pakistan stands after the three games in ODI World Cup 2023.

“We have an opportunity to win this and stay in the race but not to be. We will try our best in the next 3 matches and put our efforts and play for Pakistan. Let’s see where we will stand after that,” he added further.