"Today, we are not up to the mark in all three departments," Babar told reporters at his post-match press conference. "It's very hard as a team and as a captain."

After restricting Zimbabwe to a modest 129 for 8, it appeared a masterstroke with a fiery Wasim starring with 4 for 24, including the key wicket of Sikandar Raza followed by expert death bowling, but Pakistan's weakened middle-order fell apart under pressure.

"I don't think so," Babar said, when asked if the strategy to go in with an extra bowler had ultimately backfired. "This pitch required fast bowlers, so we had that in the planning and that's why we had an extra fast bowler."

Pakistan's second consecutive last-ball defeat has put them on the brink of an early exit and ensured a must-win contest against the Netherlands, who are also winless, on Sunday again in Perth.

Babar, who gave his team a rallying cry after the defeat against India in a video that has since gone viral, tried to remain confident of Pakistan's chances as they once again face the challenge of rising up off the canvas.

"We have two days and we'll have a sit together and discuss the mistakes," he said. "We will come back stronger."