PAK vs AFG, ICC World Cup 2023: You will see a brand new Pakistan group in opposition to Afghanistan, says Imam-Ul-Haq

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq believes his group can flip issues round and attain the knockouts of the continued ODI World Cup regardless of shedding two consecutive matches.

“We have played four matches and we are 2-2. We are confident. We will accept that we did not play well in the last two matches. We will have to perform up to the mark,” Imam stated in a press convention, earlier than the match in opposition to Afghanistan on the M. A. Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on Monday.

“You can talk as much as you want. But it matters how you play on the day. We have talked about it. You will see a new team tomorrow in Chennai.” he added.

Pakistan’s high order – barring Mohammad Rizwan, who has amassed 294 runs within the event– has faltered on a number of events within the event. But probably the most evident concern would lie with its captain, Babar Azam.

The 29-year-old has managed to attain simply 81 runs in 4 matches.

Afghanistan, which depends closely on its spin bowlers, will even hope its tempo unit will make early inroads in opposition to an unstable Pakistan batting.

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Imam stated the truth that his aspect might overcome regardless of the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led aspect can throw in the direction of them.

“Of course, there are good spinners in Afghanistan who can bowl well in the middle overs. But as I mentioned, we had beaten them in Hambantota 3-0. Even there, the conditions were very spin-friendly. So, we will back that and our ability,”

“In the end, you have to play the ball. You don’t have to play the bowler. So, it’s just that you have to back your ability.” he stated.

After Afghanistan, Pakistan will tackle South Africa in 4 days on the identical venue. A slip-up right here would solely diminish the possibilities of qualification for Imam’s aspect.

“Yes of course when you have two back-to-back defeats your morale is down, but that is life and that is cricket. Ups and downs are a part of life and cricket,” Imam stated.

“So now, we just talk about tomorrow’s match, I hope we win it so that when we go from here, our points will be 4-2 (four wins and two losses).”