Asia Cup 2022: Lessons for Pakistan after defeat 

The Indian batters were seen struggling in their inning while chasing the target, which was covered up by the lower middle order. However, the first inning of the match saw Indian bowlers rolling over the opposition's batting line-up. There were moments of learning for both teams, so here we'll see lessons that Pakistan can take from their defeat.

Fakhar Zaman opening and Babar Azam coming at number 3

"I have said this multiple times… Babar Azam shouldn't open. Instead, he should come on down and anchor the innings till the end," said Shoaib Akhtar.

The criticism of Babar Azam's opening with Mohammad Rizwan found support from many cricketers. Apart from Shoaib Akhtar, Mickey Arthur and Robin Uthappa too, agreed that one of them (ideally Babar Azam) should come at number three. In contrast, Fakhar Zaman can be utilised as the second opener. 

"They are so heavily dependent on Rizwan and Babar that you would want to separate them, I feel, when they bat first," said Robin Uthappa. 

A small switch in the top batting order can itself offer depth to their batting order. Fakhar Zaman's opening will offer a left-right combination as he has different hitting areas, which can frustrate bowlers. Secondly, Babar Azam coming in at three, can play the role of anchoring and bridging the gap between their classy top-order and extremely fragile middle order. 

Middle order troubles

Pakistan's middle-order woes have always been a matter of concern and gossip in the cricket fraternity. The fact was never hidden that their team relies heavily on Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman. 

All players coming below them lack experience and have failed to prove their worth at any level with the bat. Khushdil Shah (2 off 7), Shadab Khan (10 off 9), Asif Ali (9 off 7), and Mohammad Nawaz (1 off 3) all failed, proving the point once again.  

Weakness against short balls exposed.

The match between India and Pakistan exposed another vulnerable side of Pakistan's team, i.e., playing short balls. 

The problem and weakness are well understood as pitches in their home ground are relatively flat with less bounce, which weakens their experience against short balls. And Indian bowlers exploited this weakness gracefully to take wickets, keeping their lengths short, to which Pakistan's batters had no answers. 

"It seems Pakistan are still trying to find answers to facing short balls. The T20 World Cup is in Australia, where the grounds are big and pitches are fast. So, it's necessary for Pakistan batters to start their preparations of facing short balls," said Shoaib Akhtar