ICC World Cup 2019 | Morale of team still high after loss against India, claims Sarfraz Ahmed

Pakistan suffered a crushing 89-run defeat (DLS method) at the hands of arch-rivals India last weekend. This was their seventh successive loss to the same opposition at World Cups as they continue to search for that elusive win. 

The Asian powerhouse have enjoyed a five-day rest period after the India game and will now take on South Africa at Lord's on Sunday.  Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed believes the team morale is high and that Pakistan can stage a comeback in a bid to make the last four.

"It (loss against India) was tough for us but after the match, we gave our players two days' rest. Then after three days, we were practising hard. Morale is still very high for us. The tournament is open now, so we have a chance and we are focussing match by match. Hopefully we can start by beating South Africa," Sarfaraz Ahmed told the press at Lord's, reported India Today.

Ahmed was caught yawning on camera during the tie against India and was subjected to a barrage of hate from home fans for the same. Ahmed said that the abusive reactions hurt the players and their families psychologically. He added that Pakistan fans are emotional about the game but the players also feel the pressure when representing the country while playing in England.

"Yawning is a normal thing to do, I didn't commit a sin. If people made money out of me yawning, that's a good thing. Social media and media are not in our control. They are so big that you cannot stop them. Teams have lost before but now on social media it is unstoppable. Whoever thinks [anything, they just] write it on social media. That hurts, too much. 

"Criticise us on our game, that's not an issue, but don't abuse us. Their families get affected. If someone is hitting, then pushing anyone that's not good. Our fans are emotional and these same people lift us when we win. But if they feel sad on a defeat we also feel the same way. We feel it much more because we are playing for Pakistan," Sarfaraz concluded.