Former Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir opened up on Pakistan's chances of beating England in the 44th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India, on November 11.
Amir, who was part of the 2009 T20 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy winning team, stated that if Pakistan win the toss and bat first, they would be capable of scoring 400-450 runs if Fakhar Zaman's bat clicked.
"This 400-450 runs scenario is a possibility. It is possible in cricket. If we score 400 and get them out for 112 runs. If Fakhar bats [like he did against New Zealand] then [it is possible]. But [all of this] is only possible if we bat first," Amir said while speaking on Haarna Mana Hay.
It must be noted that New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the 41st match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India, on November 9.
The Black Caps' crucial win has made Pakistan's path to the World Cup semi-finals — which was already difficult — nearly impossible as they require a massive win over England in their last match in Kolkata on November 11.
If Pakistan bat first against England, they would have to beat them by 287 runs.
If Pakistan bowl first against England, they would have to chase down the target with 284 balls to spare, which means in just 2.4 overs.
India, South Africa and Australia have already booked their place in the mega event's semi-final and as of now three teams, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Pakistan, are fighting for the one vacant position.
As things stand, the Black Caps seem to be in a dominating position to qualify and they are followed by Pakistan while Afghanistan's position is the weakest courtesy of their negative net run rate (NRR).
Schedule of remaining World Cup matches
November 10: South Africa vs Afghanistan @ Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
November 11: Australia vs Bangladesh @ Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune.
November 11: England vs Pakistan @ Eden Gardens, Kolkata
November 12: India vs Netherlands @ M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
November 15: Semi-final 1 — First place vs fourth place @ Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
November 16: Semi-final 2 — Second place vs third place @ Eden Gardens, Kolkata
November 19: Final — Winner of Semi-final 1 vs winner of Semi-final 2 @ Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
- Mohammad Amir
