Babar Azam: Every participant on this workforce is hungry for fulfillment

Exuding confidence, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Monday mentioned the workforce’s gamers are pushed by a powerful “hunger” for fulfillment as they set their sights on clinching the coveted Asia Cup and ODI World Cup titles.

Fresh from its 4-1 dwelling sequence win over New Zealand, Pakistan is at present in pursuit of the highest spot in ODI rankings. It might very effectively dethrone Australia because the world’s No. 1 aspect with a 3-0 whitewash over Afghanistan in its Asia Cup build-up sequence starting in Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

“Every player has a hunger to perform in this team. Every player wants to give match-winning performances,” Azam mentioned in Hambantota on the eve of their three-match ODI sequence towards Afghanistan.

The sequence will probably be a prelude to its Asia Cup marketing campaign.

“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. Bowlers win you big tournaments and I have faith in them to win us big tournaments,” he mentioned.

Pakistan might by no means have been defeated by Afghanistan in ODIs, however Azam acknowledged that the upcoming sequence might be difficult as its opponent could be coming from a 2-1 away victory in Bangladesh.

“We are focused in our preparations as we have big events in the Asia Cup and the World Cup coming up,” mentioned Babar, underneath whose captaincy Pakistan has received 17 out of 26 ODIs.

“But, at the same time, we want to take one series at a 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.”

On present type, the Azam-led Pakistan is favorite to raise the Asia Cup and the cricket showpiece ODI World Cup, in accordance with Zaka Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s administration committee.

“I have great hope that with your efforts and hard work, Pakistan will win the Asia Cup,” Ashraf advised Azam and Co. after assembly them over lunch on the eve of the sequence at Hambantota.

“After securing victory, I am sure you will carry this momentum and confidence in the World Cup, bringing the trophy back home. This team under our great captain is performing really well. He has a talented team, and they are all performing in their respective roles. We have world-class batters and bowlers on the side. We have a good combination and I don’t find any reason why we should not win this trophy,” he mentioned.

The sequence will conclude on August 26 earlier than the workforce travels again to Pakistan to play the opening match of the Asia Cup towards Nepal 4 days later.

Pakistan is trying to achieve momentum from the sequence towards Afghanistan, which misplaced to Sri Lanka on the similar venue 1-2 in June.

Since the beginning of 2022, Pakistan has received 13 out of 17 matches and in May, it topped the ICC rankings for ODI sides for the primary time in historical past.