Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan admitted that the team’s criticism for their dismal show in the T20 World Cup is justified. The Babar Azam-led team failed to even reach the Super 8 stage after they were stunned by the USA and also lost to arch-rivals India in the group stage.

Pakistan could not deliver with the bat and a lot of cricket experts questioned their timid batting approach. The Men in Green failed to chase down 120 runs against India despite being 57-1 after 10 overs.

While Rizwan has scored 93 runs in three matches of the World Cup, Pakistan captain Babar Azam scored 90 runs in as many games. Furthermore, Pakistan’s middle order also could not get the job done for the team.

“The criticism the team is facing is justified, and we deserve this since we didn’t perform in accordance with expectations. Players who can’t face criticism won’t be able to succeed,” Rizwan said, speaking to the media.

Rizwan added they were disappointed with their performance as they didn’t play up to their potential.

“We are disappointed with our performance in the T20 World Cup. There are multiple reasons behind our losses. When a team loses, one can’t say that bowling and batting is doing well. Operations are a normal thing. When a person is ill, an operation is necessary. PCB Chairman is a hard-working person. The decision about who will remain in the team and who will not is the chairman’s right,” Rizwan added.

During the World Cup, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram slammed the batters for their lack of game awareness after their loss against India. 

Pakistan will certainly need to pull up their socks with the bat and change their sedate approach in T20Is. The Men in Green will next tour Australia for three ODIs and as many T20Is in November.