Pakistan’s cricket team opener Imam-ul-Haq held a press conference ahead of the Green Shirts’ crucial ICC World Cup 2023 encounter against Afghanistan at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India, on Monday.
Imam, 27, shed light on Pakistan’s ongoing struggles in the mega event saying that the players are not able to good innings into great ones.
“When you are chasing 367, you have to take risks,” Imam said while talking about match against Australia. “I agree we are not able to play big innings, I also agree that we haven’t played well in the last two matches.
“We have analysed our situation, you’ll see a different team tomorrow [against Afghanistan].”
Imam then stated that it's normal to be disappointed after losing successive matches but he confirmed that everyone is backing each other in the team.
“Yes, losing matches back-to-back downs your morale but we back each other and the management is backing the players as well.
"We are confident that we can get back on track after winning against Afghanistan.
“We aren’t able to convert the 70s or 80s into a century, we have talked to our coach about it.
“Bowlers of all the teams are conceding runs, it’s not only happening with us. Shaheen bowled well against Australia,” he added.
The left-handed opener then recalled Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, which was played just before the Asia Cup 2023, where the Green Shirts beat them and became the number-one ODI team for the first time.
“We defeated Afghanistan in spinning conditions in Hambantota, and our record in Chennai gives us hope but we will need to play our best cricket.
“Captain will decide how many spinners will play. If we are cautious in the start and give a strong start, we can score 350,” Imam added.
It must be noted that the match against Afghanistan is a must-win for the Men in Green because any outcome other than a victory would make things difficult for Babar Azam-led Pakistan in the World Cup.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.
