'Heaviest defeat' in T20 series against Oz 'wake-up call', says Pak captain Hafeez

Karachi, Sept. 12 (ANI): Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has said the team's heaviest defeat in Twenty20 internationals against Australia was a wake-up call ahead of the World Twenty20 Championship.

After a comfortable win in the opening encounter, followed by a nervy victory in the second, Pakistan, shot out for their lowest total of 74 in the format, were humiliated.

Hafeez, who was dismissed for nine, was wary of Pakistan's appalling record when they bat second and hoped his side would improve ahead of the mega event in Sri Lanka, reports The Express Tribune.

"This defeat is a wake-up call. The way we approached the chase wasn't good. We didn't play smart cricket and lost too many wickets in the beginning but credit must be given to Australia," said Hafeez.

"They played much better. Our team played well throughout the series and the boys gave it their all. We wanted to win every game and there was no complacency after having won the series. Twenty20 cricket requires you to do the right things at the right time and we didn't do that (in the final game)," he added.

"But we will carry the momentum of winning the series and the victory will boost our morale in the mega event. Though we lost the final match, the players still have that happy feeling of the series-win," he further said.

Hafeez, like most Pakistan captains, also urged the batsmen to 'take more responsibility'.

"We wanted to bat second before the World Twenty20. We got the chance and the batsmen let us down. There's a need to improve our energy level when we chase and field. But, unfortunately, we panicked," he said.

Pakistan batted second in the opening Twenty20 as well but there the bowlers had made the chase much easier. (ANI)