Image Credit- AFP
When Pakistan’s World Cup caravan arrived in Chennai,
there were numerous problems that needed to be resolved. Batting collapses, a
high number of dot balls, a low rate of sixes, costly new ball returns, a lack
of penetration in the middle overs, and fielding errors are a few examples.
While they intend to address these issues in the near
future, all they are fervently hoping for right now are a few encouraging
outcomes. Given that the tournament is almost halfway through, their upcoming
two games, which are slated to be played in the south Indian city, could be
crucial in determining their fate in the competition.
The side of Babar Azam arrived in Chennai after two
losses in which they not only lost but were also soundly humiliated by
Australia and India, respectively. They have been knocked out of the top four
on the points table as a result of the outcomes of those games and other games
taking place during the tournament. Imam-ul-Haq, the Pakistani opener, has
voiced optimism that the team will turn things around and finish the Chennai
leg of the series with two more victories.
“Our start was very good in the last two matches.
Our run rate was good in the first 20 to 25 overs. And we suddenly collapsed.
We talked about that. It’s just that this is the time to back players. We discussed
what we can change and what we can improve.”
Despite the struggles, Imam admitted that there is
very little scope for improvement during the World Cup. “It’s just that I
don’t believe that now we have a chance to do any kind of more practice. It’s just
we are on the tournament and it’s just about the top up. We don’t have that
much time.. but the thing is it’s just that – yes, this is a spin venue ground
and we know that and the guys individually really depends how they practice and
it’s just that every individual has their own preparations and we really back
them, we really back their ability and it’s just that’s how it is.”