(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The doors to the semi-finals of ODI World Cup 2023 for Pakistan have almost been closed after New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka on Thursday in Bengaluru by five wickets. The Black Caps while chasing the target of 172 runs reached the total in just 23.2 overs, making it further impossible for the Pakistan team to surpass their Net Run Rate (NRR).
Pakistan currently have eight points in their tally and need to defeat defending champions England in their last league match by a margin of 287 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday to surpass New Zealand’s healthy NRR. In the scenario where England bat first, Pakistan then need to chase down the given target in just 16 balls.
Despite the challenging situation, Pakistan captain Babar Azam remains optimistic about turning the tables. In the pre-match press conference, the 29-year-old skipper expressed confidence in Pakistan’s planned approach for the crucial match against England. He particularly highlighted the strategic role of match-winner Fakhar Zaman, revealing plans for specific phases of the game.
“We have planned regarding net run-rate against England. However, we cannot start blind slogging from ball one. We have planned how to play the first 10 overs and what to do after that. If Fakhar Zaman plays for 20-30 overs, we can achieve what’s required,” Babar said as quoted in the pre-match presser.
Defending himself as captain, Babar asserted, “I have been a captain of Pakistan for the last three years. I never felt the pressure of captaincy. There is no pressure of captaincy on me. People are talking about my captaincy, but I have not given below-average performance in the World Cup.”
Babar also defended his average performance with the bat, mentioning that he scored every run for his team and according to the situation.
“Pakistan received a lot of love and support in India. I never had a target to score my fifties. Many people criticized that I played with a slow strike rate, but the situation matters to me. I always played for the team,” he added.
Responding to rumours about the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considering to sack him as skipper, he stated, “PCB will discuss my captaincy once the World Cup ends and we go back to Pakistan because, for now, I am only focused on the remaining league match in this World Cup.”