“Need to win game against India”: Inzamam-ul-Haq

Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq wants Pakistan players to set everything aside and focus on their upcoming clash against their bitter rival India in New York in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The Babar Azam-led team has struggled to find their form, failing to string together favorable results since their 2-0 T20I series defeat against England.

Pakistan hoped to gain momentum against co-hosts USA before the high-voltage clash against India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. However, their plans backfired as the USA managed to pull off an upset win in a nail-biting Super Over thriller.

Ahead of the marquee clash, Inzamam emphasized that the players should aim to be matchwinners for Pakistan and step onto the field with confidence. “To win fans back, Pakistan need to win the game against India. It’s not like Pakistan cannot defeat India; they should keep everything aside and focus on the game on Sunday. Everybody should believe that they can win the match. Everybody should try to win the game for Pakistan. Your body language and belief change when you have confidence,” Inzamam said on his YouTube channel.

In the last edition of the World Cup, Pakistan was one of the top-ranked teams in the tournament. However, in the ongoing edition, Pakistan entered as the seventh-ranked T20I team following a slump in their performance. This downfall is largely attributed to constant changes in management and an unsettled lineup.

Pakistan’s middle-order has been one of its weak points. Shadab Khan has been a crucial cog in their batting setup, but his recent form hasn’t helped the team’s cause. He managed to score just three runs in two matches against England. His effectiveness with the ball has also waned, registering his worst bowling figures in the T20I format in the second T20I, where he went wicketless and conceded 75 runs across both matches.

Amidst his struggling form, Inzamam feels that Abrar Ahmed should be given a chance in the team. “Abrar should be given a chance; if six batters don’t score, then the seventh one can’t save the game for you. Shadab is struggling with the ball,” he added.

Pakistan T20 WC Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.