BENGALURU: Pakistan’s all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz opened up on the Green Shirts’ seven-wicket loss against India saying that it is the past now.
Namaz, 29, who is considered Pakistan’s one of the most important all-rounders, stated that the way his side lost to India, they were always going to get criticised.
“The loss against India is in the past, we are focused on our next game against Australia,” Nawaz said while talking to Geo News. “We were definitely going to get criticised for the way we lost to India.
“Anyone who performs in the India-Pakistan match ultimately becomes a hero. Fans from both countries expect their players to perform well."
Nawaz then talked about the upcoming matches saying that there are still six matches to play and the race to the World Cup semi-final is still on.
“Our first goal is to reach the semi-final. There are still six more matches to play in the mega event," he said.
“I admit that the team is not performing in the middle overs. This has been going on for the last six to seven games. We are doing our best to remove this weakness.
“Yes, on flat wickets, we will be able to score runs but we have to take wickets in the middle overs. We are able to bat in the middle overs, but are failing to take wickets.”
The 29-year-old then talked about the upcoming clash against Australia saying that the Aussies made a great comeback and a win against them would be crucial.
“Australia made a great comeback and we are aware of that. We will do our best to win the game and get our confidence back. A win against Australia is important as we can ease our way to the semi-final,” he added.
Schedule of Pakistan’s remaining matches
October 20 - vs Australia in Bengaluru
October 23 - vs Afghanistan in Chennai
October 27 - vs South Africa in Chennai
October 31 - vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 4 - vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
November 11 - vs England in Kolkata
Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.
Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan
Atique ur Rehman Atique ur Rehman is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Mohammad Nawaz