"It wasn't easy" - Iftikhar Ahmed Reveals The Team Environment After Pakistan's Loss To India In Their Opening Match

The India vs Pakistan match in the 20-20 World Cup was an absolute treat for the fans as both the teams gave their all on the field. Pakistan ended up losing the game as Virat Kohli guided India to an improbable win with his scintillating knock.

The loss was a massive setback for Pakistan who ended up losing the game after having a firm grasp on the match till the 17^th over. After the match, Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed revealed that Pakistan are still hurting from the defeat.

Speaking to AFP, Iftikhar said, "The hurt remains after losing such a big match. We were heartbroken".

Praising his captain, he continued, "The way Babar and the management supported the players, it was good. Babar and coaches told us that 'it was not our last game, everybody put in the effort. So our morale is high".

During the match, Ahmed walked in to bat with Pakistan reeling at 15/2 after four overs with both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan back in the pavilion. After settling against some top-notch bowling early on, Ahmed targeted left-arm spinner Axar Patel smashing three sixes in his over. He played a magnificent knock of 51 off 34 balls that brought Pakistan back into the match. Pakistan finished their innings at 159/8 after 20 overs.

India were reeling at 31/4 after 6.1 overs when Hardik Pandya joined Virat Kohli at the crease. The duo got involved in a 113-run stand off 78 balls to take India close to victory. Virat Kohli did the finishing job playing a scintillating knock of 82 off 53 balls which turned the tide in India’s favour.

After the defeat to India, captain Babar said, "Our bowlers bowled really well. All credit to Kohli and Pandya. It wasn't easy with the new ball. We had partnerships after 10 overs. We had a chance. We tried to stick to our plans. But credit to Virat Kohli. In the middle, we decided we wanted a wicket and held the spinner back. We had a lot of positives. The way Iftikhar played and the way Shan played."

Aiming to return to winning ways in their next match, Iftikhar said, "Zimbabwe is an international team and we have to play strong against them like any other team. Important to play well and keep up the confidence. The players are hungry to perform.”

Pakistan will next play against Zimbabwe in their next match on Thursday while India will play against the Netherlands on the same day.