[Watch] Virat Kohli gifts signed jerseys to Babar Azam and has a chat after IND vs PAK 2023 World Cup clash
Team India stalwart Virat Kohli gifted a couple of signed jerseys to Babar Azam after the conclusion of the match against Pakistan on Saturday, October 14.
Men in Blue beat their arch-rivals comfortably by seven wickets in the contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Babar was the top scorer for his side in the match, as he hit exactly 50 runs.
Mohammed Rizwan (49) and Imam-Ul-Haq (36) also scored some runs as others failed with the bat, resulting in Pakistan getting skittled out for 191 in 42.5 overs.
Rohit Sharma (86) then led the Indian side from the front with a scintillating knock to ensure a clinical chase. Kohli (16) played a few exquisite cover drives but perished without converting his start as he was trying to play aggressively.
After the match, Babar accepted the signed jerseys from Kohli and also had a chat with him.
You can watch Virat Kohli and Babar Azam's post-match interaction in the video below:
"Suddenly we had a collapse in the middle order" - Babar Azam on their disappointing loss against India
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pakistan captain Babar Azam highlighted the reasons for their crushing defeat and blamed the batting department. He opined that they began well and reached a good position, but the middle order failed to cash in on the platform.
Reflecting on their dismal batting effort, Babar said:
"We started well. We got a good partnership going. We just planned to play normal cricket and build partnerships, but suddenly we had a collapse in the middle order, and did not finish well. Not good for us. The way we started, we wanted to target 280-290, but the collapse cost us. And the total was not good.
Babar also felt that the bowlers were not penetrative with the new ball and lauded Rohit Sharma for his magnificent knock. He added:
"With the new ball, probably we are not upto the mark. Different game, different situation. Rohit (Sharma) was outstanding today. We tried to take wickets and win the match, but didn't happen."
Do you think Pakistan can recover from this defeat and reach the semifinals of the World Cup? Let us know your views in the comments section.