Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam on Friday spoke of an ambitious plan that hinged on surpassing New Zealand’s net run rate (NRR) to clinch a coveted spot in the semifinals.
Currently positioned at the 5th spot on the points table, Pakistan faces an imposing task of defeating England by a margin of 288 runs or more—a feat that appears Herculean but, as Babar stressed, is not impossible.
The captain, known for his strategic acumen, emphasized the need for a well-thought-out game plan, cautioning against a reckless approach.
“We can’t just go in and start firing blindly — we want that but with proper planning,” Babar said in a high-stakes press conference held a day before their decisive encounter against England in the ICC World Cup 2023,
He underscored the importance of structured execution, particularly in the crucial initial overs, outlining a phased approach that includes strategic partnerships, with Fakhar Zaman’s role deemed pivotal.
Babar Azam singled out Fakhar Zaman as a linchpin in their pursuit, stating, “If Fakhar is in the match for 20 or 30 overs, we can achieve that. Then follow up with Rizwan, Iftikhar. We can do this, and we have planned for this.” This strategic cascade, if executed as planned, could potentially tilt the balance in Pakistan’s favor.
Reflecting on their performance in the tournament, Babar refused to attribute blame to any specific facet of the game, whether it be bowling, fielding, or batting.
He emphasized that the team, as a collective unit, fell short of executing their plans, acknowledging the unforgiving nature of the World Cup, where the margin for error is minimal.
In response to queries about his captaincy, Babar displayed a confident demeanor, stating, “I have been captaining my team for the last three years and I have never felt this way.”
Brushing aside critiques, he attributed concerns about his leadership to a dip in his personal performance during the World Cup. Taking a swipe at his critics, Babar invited advice directly, saying, “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.”
