As the sun sets over the picturesque Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, the stage is set for an enthralling clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the first of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). With the final phase of Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming cricket season commencing, all eyes are on Babar Azam’s squad as they aim to fine-tune their combinations and make their mark on the cricketing world.
Pakistan’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Fresh from their resounding victory over Sri Lanka in a two-Test series last month and a triumphant 4-1 defeat of New Zealand in the home One-Day Internationals in April-May, the team under Babar’s leadership has been exuding confidence and dominance. The Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023 looms on the horizon, followed closely by the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, making these three ODIs against Afghanistan a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to sharpen their skills and solidify their strategies.
In an exclusive conversation on the eve of the first ODI against Afghanistan, Babar Azam shared his insights, “It is great to be together as one unit again as we enjoy each other’s company a lot. We enter this series with good momentum following our Test series win here and we are eager to build on it. As a captain, I am very excited for the cricket ahead.”
The numbers certainly back up Babar’s excitement. Pakistan has emerged as a dominant force in ODIs, boasting a win/loss ratio of 3.250 since the start of 2022. With 13 wins in 17 matches, their performance has been the best across all teams, a feat that earned them the top spot in the ICC rankings for ODI sides in May. As the battle for supremacy heats up, Pakistan has another opportunity to further solidify their position at the pinnacle of ODI cricket.
The atmosphere within the dressing room is electric, charged with a palpable sense of confidence and determination. Babar’s men are ready to seize every opportunity that comes their way, each player prepared to contribute their best whenever called upon. While the ultimate goal remains to conquer the world stage in the upcoming World Cup, Babar emphasizes the importance of taking one challenge at a time.
“We are focused in our preparations as we have big events in the Asia Cup and the World Cup coming up,” Babar explains. “But, at the same time, we want to take one series at a time … The Afghanistan team is on the rise and they have some good bowlers. The fans will get to see some exciting cricket.”
Pakistan’s selection for this series further underscores their intent to maintain a well-balanced and formidable lineup. The inclusion of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, uncapped batter Tayyab Tahir, and middle-order batter Saud Shakeel not only speaks to the depth of talent available but also reflects the team’s commitment to nurturing emerging players.
“We have had some good additions in the squad,” Babar points out. “Faheem has been in and out of the side but he has performed well recently. Tayyab Tahir had a good [Emerging Teams] Asia Cup and he performed well here in Sri Lanka and everyone saw how Saud Shakeel played Tests here. I am especially impressed by how Saud has transformed into a modern-day batter in such a quick time. This is a great sign for Pakistan cricket that he groomed himself according to the demands of the team, and whenever anyone does that, I get very happy.”
Despite their unblemished record against Afghanistan in ODIs, this series is no mere formality. Afghanistan’s recent 2-1 victory over Bangladesh has raised their profile and heralded them as a formidable opponent. Babar, however, sees this challenge as a stepping stone to delivering match-winning performances.
“Every player has a hunger [to perform] in this team. When you perform in big tournaments, it boosts your morale as a team and as individuals, and this team has performed well in the recent past. Bowlers win you big tournaments and I have faith in them to win us big tournaments.”
As the anticipation builds, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, encapsulates his philosophy and message to his players in a simple yet powerful statement, “My message has always been to believe in yourself and make sure that you give your hundred percent in the field.”
With the second and third ODIs scheduled for 24 and 26 August in Hambantota and Colombo respectively, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the unfolding chapters of Pakistan’s journey – a journey that holds the promise of excitement, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
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