Usman Tariq Backs Senior Duo Ahead of Namibia Test

Pakistan is set to play a crucial match against Namibia at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Senior campaigners Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have received public backing from mystery spinner Usman Tariq following Pakistan’s defeat to India, which led to increased scrutiny of the team’s core players.

In that high-pressure encounter, Babar was dismissed for five runs, while Shaheen conceded 31 runs in two overs. Their performances drew criticism from fans and analysts, particularly regarding the form of the star duo.

However, speaking during the pre-match press conference, Tariq made it clear that temporary setbacks should not overshadow years of match-winning contributions.

“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,” Tariq said.

Learning From Defeat

Tariq emphasised that the dressing room environment remains focused and constructive. According to him, the team reviews each game carefully to address shortcomings rather than dwell on criticism.

“After every match, discussions revolve around what went wrong. If one match doesn’t go well, that’s part of the game,” he added.

He further explained that identifying and correcting errors is vital for maintaining consistency at the international level. The spinner stressed that repeated mistakes cause long-term damage, not isolated defeats.

Handling Pressure in Big Matches

Addressing the mental aspect of the game, Tariq acknowledged that pressure is inevitable in tournaments of this magnitude but insisted the squad is well prepared.

“Feeling pressure is normal. Controlling it is part of the job, and we have worked on that. Right now, I don’t feel the team is under pressure,” he concluded.

Pakistan currently sits third in Group A with two wins and one loss, holding a net run rate of -0.403. A victory in this crucial Pakistan vs Namibia clash would secure their place in the Super Eight stage with six points, potentially sealing a second-place finish behind India.