DALLAS: As Pakistan are set to begin their World Cup 2024 campaign from Thusrday, skipper captain Babar Azam expressed confidence in the team's preparation for the upcoming matches.
"We have come to the USA with good preparations," said Babar while speaking to media persons in Dallas, emphasising the team's strategic approach and readiness to adapt to different conditions.
"The batters have been training indoors, and the bowlers have trained in the field," he noted, ensuring a balanced approach to preparation.
"Some of our players have played here before and are familiar with the conditions. Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and Haris Rauf have all played here previously," Babar stated.
The skipper also noted that they are not expecting high-scoring matches here.
'Seniors need to step up, take responsibility'
As the first match of Pakistan and the USA of the T20 World Cup will take place on June 9, the right-handed batter wants the senior players to take responsibility in the forthcoming matches to avoid the previous mistakes.
"I have confidence in our fast bowling; our fast bowlers have been performing well here. We will try to avoid past mistakes," the talented skipper stated.
"Our World Cup starts the day after tomorrow, and now all senior players need to step up and take responsibility. My sole target is to win the World Cup; individual achievements come later. My focus is on what the team needs from me, not on personal records," he emphasised.
Batting position not fixed
Moreover, Babar mentioned the changes in the batting line because of the "poor performance" by Saim Ayub. He said that Shadab might replace Saim in the upcoming match.
"No one's batting position is fixed; it can change according to the situation," Babar continued.
"Unfortunately, Saim Ayub couldn't perform as expected. He is a game-changer but hasn't had the opportunities he needed. We plan what's best for the team," he emphasised.
"Shadab has performed in various conditions, which is why we trust him. As a captain, I have faith in all my players, especially Shadab. He is valuable in all three aspects of the game, and I hope the conditions here suit him," Babar added.
"There are ups and downs with cricketers, and we will support them. Supporting players benefits the team overall. It's a team game; if one player has a bad day, others cover for him," Babar explained.
"America has its home conditions, and they are familiar with the grounds here. I trust my team to play good cricket," he affirmed.
Babar hopeful of winning World Cup
Babar hopes that they can win the T20 World Cup by playing good cricket. As the T20 World Cup is hosted in the USA for the first time so the captain and the team shouldn’t be focusing on what is missing.
"We will try to perform well in the World Cup and achieve success," Babar continued.
"We are not concerned about the distance from the hotel or the facilities; that’s the board’s responsibility. We have played in such conditions before. The only pressure now is regarding the tickets, especially for one particular match," he mentioned.
- Babar Azam
