Asia Cup | Will try to build and carry forward momentum, says Sarfraz Ahmed

In the 7th match of the Champions Trophy 2017, Pakistan played against South Africa who managed to mount a target of 219 runs in 50 overs. Pakistan's innings was reduced due to rain but they had already maintained a run rate of 4.41 and scored 119 runs and therefore they won the game by DLS. In the 12th match of the tournament, Pakistan played Sri Lanka and after restricting them to 236 runs, they managed to chase down the target in 45 overs. Similarly, Pakistan carried forward the same momentum to beat England in the semi-finals and arch-rivals, India in the finals by mounting a huge score of 338 runs and restricting Indian batsmen at a score of just 158 runs. 

Pakistan captain, Sarfraz Ahmed believes that it is the momentum that has led to Pakistan's past victories and they shall try to do the same ahead of their fixtures at the Asia Cup 2018.

“Momentum is very important. During the Champions Trophy, we carried forward the momentum which we had gotten against South Africa and Sri Lanka. We will try to do the same here... We will try to gain momentum in our first match [against Hong Kong] and go into the contest against India with full preparation,” he said.

Right after their first game, Pakistan will be playing against arch-rivals, India. The last time both these teams played against each other was in the Champions Trophy final when Pakistan beat India by 180 runs. Sarfraz mentioned that they have been eagerly waiting for this game. 

“Every match against India is important. That match [Champions Trophy final] is in the past. It was almost one and a half years ago. So, I don't think we should consider it that much. If we play India in the final, then we will be playing them thrice. All professional teams put the past behind and look forward. Both teams will do the same,” he said.

Out of all the teams participating at the Asia Cup, Pakistan is the most experienced team to play at the conditions prevalent in UAE because they have been compelled to play all their home games at these venues itself. Sarfraz spoke about the pitch conditions and their strategies to tackle those situations at the tournament. 

“The weather is hot, so it becomes difficult to bat in humid conditions under lights as the fast-bowlers get to swing the ball in humidity. We will try to access the conditions. We have two-three sessions under lights. Of course, every side will look to bat first and put runs on the board due to the hot weather. Pitches are on the slower side in the UAE, so spinners will have a role to play. Our batsmen and bowlers are in top form. We will look to score more than 300 if we bat first because we possess a bowling unit that can defend that total. We are not focusing on one area, we will focus on all three aspects of the game and try to put a good show,” he quoted. 

Pakistan was counted among one of those teams who has not been up to the mark regarding their fitness. As the game has evolved throughout the globe, Pakistan has also take efforts to get an upgrade so that they aren't left behind in the league. Sarfraz mentioned that earlier the team was not very consistent with their fitness and that affected the games but now they have improved a lot with players like Hassan Ali beating yo-yo test scores of fit players like Virat Kohli. 

“The foreign coaches have instilled professionalism in the side. We have gotten more fit. Previously, our team average [on the yo-yo test] used to be 17. It was 18.7 this time. The five rounds that we did in nine minutes, we are now doing them under eight. A lot of things have improved like the rotation of strike. Our batting [line-up] is chasing 280-290 now. The boys are young like Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, and Babar Azam, and they are still learning. What is good is that the boys are trying to keep up with modern standards like staying at the wicket and keeping the scoring rate at 100 or above,” Sarfraz concluded.