Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman expressed his team’s determination to reach the semifinals of the World Cup after their convincing seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh. The win not only boosted their confidence but also improved their net run-rate. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the star pacer, led the pace attack brilliantly, restricting Bangladesh to a mere 204 runs.
Zaman highlighted the importance of every win in the tournament and emphasized that their recent victory was much-awaited. He mentioned that the team is slowly finding their rhythm, showcasing their resilience in both batting and bowling against South Africa. Zaman expressed optimism about the team’s progress, stating that their combination is falling into place.
After sitting out for five matches due to a minor injury, Zaman made a strong comeback, contributing a crucial 81 runs off 74 balls. Alongside Abdullah Shafique, he built a solid foundation with a 128-run opening partnership, making the chase seem effortless. Zaman revealed that their target was to chase the target within 29-30 overs and reiterated the team’s focus on reaching the semifinals.
The victory against Bangladesh ended Pakistan’s four-match losing streak and propelled them past Afghanistan to fifth place in the points table. To secure their spot in the semifinals, Pakistan must win their remaining matches against New Zealand and England, while also hoping for a slip-up from either New Zealand or Australia.
Zaman admitted that the injury that kept him out of the team was not severe, and he would have played if needed. He expressed his hunger for more impactful performances and stated that he feels confident in his batting form. Zaman emphasized that on Indian wickets, it is crucial to spend some time at the crease before going for big shots, as the boundaries are shorter.
Regarding the bowlers’ performance, Zaman praised their accuracy, stating that they have now adapted well to the Indian conditions. When asked about the impact of Pakistan’s loss against India, Zaman acknowledged the significance of the rivalry but stressed that the players are professionals who have played numerous matches against India. He concluded by saying that the team remains focused on their goal and cannot afford to dwell on past results.
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