File photo of Pakistani players.
Pakistan will be aiming to maintain their remarkable consistency against a spirited Namibia and make it to the semi-finals at the T20 World Cup here on Tuesday.
After a chaotic build-up to the World Cup, with England and New Zealand withdrew from tours of Pakistan, Babar AzmiThe team under the leadership has broken the barriers and become the team to beat in the tournament.
After the historic win over India, Pakistan showed some lack in their armor against New Zealand and Afghanistan, but that didn’t stop them from registering a scintillating win.
If their in-form openers Babar and Mohammad Rizwan don’t fire, Pakistan can count on their middle-order and even if that is not enough, six-hitting machine Asif Ali will be there for them on his own. But the match will be won.
However, the team will expect more runs from the experienced Mohd HafeezyWhy bat? He is the only player who has not contributed significantly to the top six. In the bowling department, Pakistan would like to ensure that they do not allow Namibia to return to the game after taking early wickets, something they were guilty of in the Afghanistan conflict.
After the Afghans were bundled out for 76 for six, Pakistan allowed them to score a challenging 147 and if it had not been for Asif’s ability to hit a six off the first ball, the outcome of the game could have been different.
The team expects much more Hassan AliWhich has proved to be its weakest link in the bowling department. Namibia, which were blown up by Afghanistan on Sunday, will be looking to compete against a top side.
The debutants on Sunday afternoon had no answer from the Afghanistan bowlers, especially the fast bowlers. Despite main spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman not playing due to injury, the Namibians found the bowling attack too hot to handle.
Namibia’s six wickets were taken by worrying fast bowlers and Pakistan have a much better attack than Afghanistan. They have already won a lot of hearts by making their first appearance in the Super 12 but captain Gerhald Erasmus has made it clear that they are trying to trouble.
“We are aware of the challenges. We need to make use of this level. It is a step into the future,” Erasmus said.
Leggy Lofty Eaton’s performance for Namibia from the previous game was a big plus. Lead pacer Ruben Trumpelmann will also be aiming to provide an early breakthrough, which will be necessary to bring a fierce side like Pakistan under pressure.
squads Pakistan: Babar Azam (Captain), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar ZamanHaider Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik.
Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Stephan Bard, JJ Smit, Carl Birkenstock, Jan Freelink, Ben Shikongo, Bernard Scholtz, Craig Williams, Michael van Lingen, Ruben Trumpelmann, Zane Green, David Wiese, Pikki ya France, Michou du Preez , Jan Nicole Lofty-Eaton
The match will start at 7.30 pm Indian time.
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