'Just talked to Babar, he was not able to talk' - Babar Azam's father Azam Siddiqui after Pakistan's loss to Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2023

Pakistan faced a heartbreaking two-wicket loss against Sri Lanka in the fifth Super 4 fixture of the Asia Cup 2023 on Thursday, September 14 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The Babar Azam-led side lost the match on the last ball of the game as Charith Asalanka managed to score six runs off the last two balls to take Sri Lanka to the final of the tournament.

Following Pakistan’s loss, Babar’s father Azam Siddiqui has issued a lengthy statement after his son faced backlash for Pakistan’s elimination from Asia Cup 2023. Siddiqui took to his official Instagram handle and revealed that Babar was not able to speak after Pakistan’s loss.

"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 Instagram.

"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.

Coming back to the match, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, however, they were left reeling at 130/5 after 27.4 overs. Seeing their team in trouble, Mohammad Rizwan (86* off 73) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47 off 40) rescued their team’s innings with their 108-run partnership. Courtesy of their massive stand, Pakistan managed to reach 252/7 in their allotted 42 overs.

Charith Asalanka took his team home on the final ball

In reply, Sri Lanka was on course for the chase as Kusal Mendis (91 off 87) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48 off 51) added 100 runs for the fourth wicket. However, following their dismissals Sri Lanka lost wickets in a heap and needed eight to win off the last over having three wickets in hand.

Charith Asalanka (49* off 47) held his nerve against Zaman Khan and took his team home on the last ball of the over. As a result, Pakistan got knocked out of the Asia Cup 2023 and Sri Lanka qualified for the final of the continental tournament. They will face India in the summit clash on Sunday, September 17 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.