ICC World Cup 2019 | One of the finest batting performances I’ve seen, says Sarfaraz Ahmed praises Babar Azam
Sarfaraz Ahmed was mighty impressed with the batting display put on by Babar Azam and Haris Sohail on a pitch that was turning square, to carry Pakistan through to a six-wicket win against New Zealand. The crucial victory still keeps Pakistan’s hopes of making to the semifinals well and truly alive.
Everything looked done and dusted for Pakistan a week ago at the World Cup. But, two comprehensive wins against South Africa and New Zealand means they are still in the hunt for a place in the last four.
Chasing a target of 238 runs under overcast conditions on a pitch that began turning square, Pakistan were in a spot of bother after losing both the openers early. But, Babar Azam showed class and composure to put together a well-compiled century, and along with Haris Sohail’s 68, led Pakistan to a win in the final over.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was all praise for the duo. “All the bowlers did really well and in the end Babar and Haris - one of the finest batting I've ever seen. We knew 240 was not an easy target on this pitch. We just wanted to bat 50 overs. Credit to Babar and Haris, the way they played on this pitch,” Sarfaraz was reported saying by ESPNCricinfo.
Man of the match, Azam himself confirmed that he had played his best innings yesterday. He also shed light into the thought process behind the run chase that needed a cautious approach against Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner.
“This is my best innings. the wicket was difficult and turned a lot in the second half. The plan was to go through to the end and give my 100%. When we started, the plan was to see out Ferguson. But when Santner came on, the plan became not to give wickets to him and cover up later when the fast bowlers come on,” Azam said at the presentation.
Both Sarfaraz and Azam commended the fans that turned up in droves to support their side, whose campaign suddenly looks a lot like their successful run in the 1992 World Cup. But, the skipper was quick to play down the comparisons.
“When the World Cup starts, people think that way. But we're not thinking like that. Our focus is the next match. We are very confident and hopefully we'll do well,” said Sarfaraz.
With a much-improved fielding unit, and Afghanistan and Bangladesh to play in their remaining two games, this Pakistan side sure looks well on course to claiming a semifinal berth.
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