Exuding confidence, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Monday mentioned the group’s gamers are pushed by a powerful “starvation” for achievement as they set their sights on clinching the coveted Asia Cup and ODI World Cup titles.
Recent from its 4-1 residence collection win over New Zealand, Pakistan is presently in pursuit of the highest spot in ODI rankings. It might very effectively dethrone Australia because the world’s No. 1 aspect with a 3-0 whitewash over Afghanistan in its Asia Cup build-up collection starting in Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
“Each participant has a starvation to carry out on this group. Each participant needs to present match-winning performances,” Azam mentioned in Hambantota on the eve of their three-match ODI collection towards Afghanistan.
The collection might be a prelude to its Asia Cup marketing campaign.
“Not too long ago now we have had totally different participant of the match award winners, which is an efficient signal for any group. Once you carry out in huge tournaments, it boosts your morale as a group and as people and this group has carried out effectively within the latest previous. Bowlers win you huge tournaments and I place confidence in them to win us huge tournaments,” he mentioned.
Pakistan might by no means have been defeated by Afghanistan in ODIs, however Azam acknowledged that the upcoming collection could possibly be difficult as its opponent could be coming from a 2-1 away victory in Bangladesh.
“We’re centered in our preparations as now we have huge occasions within the Asia Cup and the World Cup arising,” mentioned Babar, below whose captaincy Pakistan has gained 17 out of 26 ODIs.
“However, on the identical time, we wish to take one collection at a time. It’s at all times useful for a group to get such a collection forward of main occasions. That we’re enjoying in Asian situations will certainly present us an edge and assist us get within the rhythm. The Afghanistan group is on the rise they usually have some good bowlers. The followers will get to see some thrilling cricket.”
On present kind, the Azam-led Pakistan is favorite to elevate the Asia Cup and the cricket showpiece ODI World Cup, based on Zaka Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s administration committee.
“I’ve nice hope that together with your efforts and exhausting work, Pakistan will win the Asia Cup,” Ashraf advised Azam and Co. after assembly them over lunch on the eve of the collection at Hambantota.
“After securing victory, I’m positive you’ll carry this momentum and confidence within the World Cup, bringing the trophy again residence. This group below our nice captain is performing rather well. He has a gifted group, and they’re all performing of their respective roles. We now have world-class batters and bowlers on the aspect. We now have an excellent mixture and I don’t discover any purpose why we must always not win this trophy,” he mentioned.
The collection will conclude on August 26 earlier than the group travels again to Pakistan to play the opening match of the Asia Cup towards Nepal 4 days later.
Pakistan is seeking to achieve momentum from the collection towards Afghanistan, which misplaced to Sri Lanka on the identical venue 1-2 in June.
For the reason that begin of 2022, Pakistan has gained 13 out of 17 matches and in Could, it topped the ICC rankings for ODI sides for the primary time in historical past.