Bristol, June 27 (IANS) Pakistan’s top-order batter Ayesha Zafar admitted her side failed to play the brand of cricket they had hoped for in the ongoing 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, but stressed the campaign had offered valuable lessons for the side, particularly in batting.

Pakistan have been winless in the tournament so far and need a victory over Netherlands to sign off from the competition on a high. “Definitely not the kind of cricket that we wanted to play and wanted to put up in this World Cup.

“But however, we have definitely learned quite a lot of few things, specifically regarding batting, how we have seen some players from the different teams step up to the occasion and bat throughout. And I think that’s what we have been missing,” Ayesha said in a pre-match chat with the broadcasters.

On her own batting, Ayesha conceded she struggled to get going consistently. “I would like to get going in my innings more because honestly, in these few matches, I’ve not been able to get going other than one or two matches. So I think I’d work more on the development of my innings, how to go about it.”

Playing in a T20 World Cup after eight years, Ayesha further underlined her desire to contribute with the ball in the shortest format. “Because you see in T20 cricket, it’s all about how much you can give back to your team. I think if I can bowl a few overs in the match and support my bowling unit as well, then I think that would be good,” she said.

She credited former captain Sana Mir for her constant guidance. “I think she’s a star mentor for all of us. She’s there whenever we need her, and she’s in contact with the girls and with the captain. And she’s been a help throughout this tournament as well.

“Whenever you feel you’re down, she’s there to help you out and get out of the shell or wherever you’re stuck. So she’s always there, and I believe she always will be there,” she concluded.

–IANS

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