Asia Cup 2023: Losing to India was bitterly disappointing, says Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel

Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted that losing to India was bitterly disappointing in the ongoing Asia Cup. Pakistan was thrashed by a huge margin of 228 runs in the Super Fours stage match on Monday at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

India posted a huge score of 356 runs on the board after fine centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul whereas Pakistan was skittled out for only 128 runs. Thus, India thoroughly dominated the contest as they ticked all the right boxes as a unit.

Pakistan could not come up with a collective show and they were not at their best against the arch-rivals, which led to their downfall.

Pakistan is well known for its potent bowling, but they could not execute their plans against in-form Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who added 233 runs for the third-wicket alliance.

”After the India match, we were bitterly disappointed. For me, it is very important for the bowlers to do a bit of self-reflection, ask yourself the hard questions. Yes, credit must also go to the Indian batters,” Morkel said in Colombo.

”They put us under pressure early. Those are fantastic lessons for us before the World Cup. We are gonna grow from this and come back stronger,” he added.

On the other hand, the former South African lanky pacer expects the conditions to be spin-friendly and feels their spinners are going to hold the key. But Pakistan will be without the services of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, both out due to injuries.

“The conditions are spin-friendly and I think our spinners are working really hard at the moment. They will be the first to put up their hands when it is needed. They are all match-winners and experienced players. They know how to make comebacks,” he added.

Pakistan will look to come up with a better performance with both bat and ball. The Men in Green will take on Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Thursday in a virtual semifinal contest.