Tomorrow, when Babar Azam’s squad takes on Afghanistan at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in the first of three One-Day Internationals, the penultimate stage of Pakistan’s preparations for the big cricket season gets under way.
Pakistan enters the series on the heels of some outstanding performances. In addition to sweeping New Zealand 4-1 at home in one-day internationals in April and May, they also recently defeated Sri Lanka in a two-Test series.
These three matches against Afghanistan offer Pakistan the chance to hone their combinations before the Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023, which starts four days after the third and final game in Colombo, and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which follows it.
“It is great to be together as one unit again as we enjoy each other’s company a lot,” Babar told PCB Digital on the eve of the first ODI against Afghanistan. “We have a few new faces in the side and I wish them good luck for the challenges ahead.
Most of the boys have been playing cricket in different leagues, but when you don the Pakistan star, it is a different feeling altogether. 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.”
In recent ODIs, Pakistan has had great results. Since the beginning of 2022, Pakistan has had the best win/loss record of any team, with a 3.250 ratio and 13 victories in 17 games. For the first time ever, Pakistan led the ICC rankings for ODI sides in May. If they continue to play Afghanistan flawlessly, they have another chance to topple the table.
Each player in the team is eager to seize any opportunity that may present itself, and the locker room is humming with confidence. Although the team’s ultimate goal is to win the World Cup, Babar added that for now, they are focusing on one obstacle at a time.
“We are focused in our preparations as we have big events in the Asia Cup and the World Cup coming up,” said Babar, under whose captaincy Pakistan have won 17 out of 26 ODIs. “But, at the same time, we want to take one series at the time … It is always beneficial for a team to get such a series ahead of major events.
That we are playing in Asian conditions will definitely provide us an edge and help us get in the rhythm. The Afghanistan team is on the rise and they have some good bowlers. The fans will get to see some exciting cricket.”
The Pakistani team for the Afghanistan series included all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, uncapped batter Tayyab Tahir, and middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel. The three players have been recognized for their outstanding recent performances, and their addition strengthens an already strong group.
“We have had some good additions in the squad,” the number one ranked ODI batter said. “Faheem has been in and out of the side but he has performed well recently. We have included him because of his all-round abilities and believe that his presence will strengthen the side.
“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.”
Although Pakistan has never lost to Afghanistan in this format, this series will test them because Afghanistan comes into it after defeating Bangladesh 2-1 at home. But Babar said that the players are using this challenge as a chance to put on game-winning performances.
“Every player has a hunger [to perform] in this team. Every player wants to give match-winning performances. Recently we have had different player of the match award winners, which is a good sign for any 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.
“The presence of Salman Ali Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed has bolstered our middle-order. We already have a settled top-order. Our spin department has strengthened. Thankfully, we have one of the best pace-bowling attacks in Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, and their performances underscore how good they are. Bowlers win you big tournaments and I have faith in them to win us big tournaments.”
What advice does Babar have for his players as they prepare for what is sure to be one of the most thrilling phases for this Pakistani team? My advice has always been to have faith in oneself and constantly give your all in a given situation.
The second and third ODIs will be held in Hambantota and Colombo on August 24 and 26, respectively.
