T20 World Cup 2024: 'Shouldn't Take Anything For Granted' - Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood Ahead of Pakistan vs Canada Match

Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has said their opponents Canada can't be taken lightly as the two teams are set to clash in a must-win T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match on Tuesday (June 11) in New York.

Pakistan head into the all-important game on the back of a 6-run defeat to arch-rivals India at the Nassau International Cricket Stadium. Before the loss to India, Babar Azam's side were stunned by USA in a super over eliminator.

With all to play for against Canada, who have won one and lost one coming into the contest, the former right-arm seamer Mahmood said that their opponents have players who can score runs, which is one reason why Pakistan can't take them for granted.

"We haven't decided the team yet. As far as Canada is concerned, if you look at the first match, they scored 194 - against America. They have such players who can score runs. So, we shouldn't take anything for granted. We can't do anything now. We have to win the match in any case," Mahmood said at the pre-match press conference.

On Pakistan's collapse from a winning position in their last encounter, Mahmood revealed that it was shot selection at the wrong time that cost them the game against India.

"After 12 overs we were 72 for 2. We needed 48 runs of 48 balls. We had eight wickets in our hands. I can't tell you anything about the decision-making or shot selection. I think it was the selection of shots and playing those shots at the wrong time," Mahmood added.

"I'm not saying the shot was not on. The shot was on, but not at the right time or the right choice of bowlers. I'm not going to name here, but you know, it is what it is.

"You have to play according to the situation in front of you. Because if the average of six runs goes up to 10 runs, or if it goes up to 18 runs, then this was our concern - like before."

Mahmood acknowledged that fear of failure is part of the game, but the assitant coach does not accept that all 15 players can go into the game having that fear.

"Fear of failure is part of the game. It's obvious. Expectations are so high and then you have to perform. So, it's possible that one or two players will have a fear of failure, but again, it's not possible that all 15 players will be having that fear. There is no such thing," the 49-year-old said.