The Pakistani team is currently ranked fifth in the 2023 World Cup points table with eight points and a net run rate of +0.036. To make it to the semi-final round, they need to beat England today by around 287 runs while batting first or by about 284 balls to spare while chasing the target.
Captain Babar Azam is confident in the team’s ability to win and stressed the importance of a strategic approach. He mentioned planning for the net run rate against England, focusing on the first 10 overs and the contribution of Fakhar Zaman.
Addressing concerns about potential elimination from the World Cup, Babar emphasized the unpredictable nature of cricket and the uncertainty of outcomes. He dismissed the idea of feeling pressure as captain and stated that he is not under any pressure despite not performing as expected in the World Cup. He stated, “I have not performed the way I should have in the World Cup, that’s why people are saying that I am under pressure. I am under no pressure,”
Amid criticism and reports of a dressing room rift, Babar urged people to share advice directly rather than on TV. Despite defending his captaincy, reports suggest that Babar might resign from leadership roles in ODIs and T20Is after the World Cup, with discussions ongoing. He stated, “”If someone has to give me advice, everyone has my number. It is easy to give advice on TV. If you want to give me some advice, you can message me.”
Babar clarified that discussions about his captaincy will happen once the World Cup concludes. He debunked the notion that Pakistan has consistently underperformed in World Cups since 1999, highlighting the team’s success in winning the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Babar concluded that Pakistan is playing good cricket but falling short in World Cups.
