Pakistan all-rounder Hussain Talat on Tuesday (September 23) dismissed suggestions that the team's morale has take a hit following the six-wicket loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash, citing that the players have shut out the outside noise to stay calm for the remaining games.

Talat played a key role in helping Pakistan win the Super 4 match against Sri Lanka by five wickets, rescuing them from a precarious 80/5 in the chase of 133. His 2/18 and unbeaten 32 kept alive hopes of an India-Pakistan final.

The Men in Green still need to beat Bangladesh in their last Super 4 game to qualify for the title clash.

"No, there was no feeling of mayusi (disappointment) coming into the match (against Sri Lanka) but since we had lost (to India in the Super 4s opener), no one was feeling good...(But) We put in our best effort in that match," Talat told reporters.

"...but coming into this match, there was no pressure. Of course, there was criticism all around but we made a conscious effort to avoid it. Sometimes it's (criticism) not good for the team coming into a crucial match," he added.

India and Pakistan have faced each other twice in the continental event so far, with the former emerging victorious on both occasions.

The tensions between the arch-rivals have also increased after the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts to show solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The win over Sri Lanka, Talat said, has boosted their confidence and if the team could play just two matches with the right intensity, it could lift the Asia Cup trophy.

"We are very confident and the atmosphere in the camp (is good) given that we have been playing non-stop cricket for such a long time and the kind of options we have.

"And, the good thing is that the players are being backed (by the management), unlike previous days when they were replaced if they were not performing. Now, only two matches are left. If we play two matches well, the trophy will be ours," he said.

Asked if game awareness was lacking among Pakistan cricketers and the batters were finding it difficult to read the spinners in the campaign so far, Talat mentioned that it was a case of low confidence.

"We say if we want a player for No.4 or No. 5, then he should know how to play all three types (forms) of cricket. But the chances of failure increases in that position. Unfortunately, in our country if we lose a game or two or a series or two, then everyone, including the media, spectators... all of them get after you and then you get dropped from the team.

"It's the most difficult thing to play in the middle order because you have to play all three types of cricket. Since it is difficult task (playing in the middle order), players should get more opportunities as well."

He pointed out because of the chopping and changing, no one prefers to bat in the middle order.

"Pakistan players in the middle order, who can play all forms of cricket, there are very few left. Maybe 4-5 players left, and if you ask them, they also don't want to play (in that position)," Talat said.

(With PTI Inputs)