(AFP Photo)
Following Pakistan’s upsetting defeat against Ireland in the initial T20I of the latest three-game series, prominent batsman Fakhar Zaman asserts that the team has embraced a significantly more assertive approach.
Following Pakistan’s disheartening defeat to Ireland in the initial T20I of the recent three-match series, standout batsman Fakhar Zaman reveals that the team has embraced a notably more aggressive mindset. This shift in mentality coincides with the approach towards the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA, set to commence next month. The loss served as a wake-up call, prompting the Men in Green to adopt a more assertive stance in their gameplay.
“After we lost that first game against Ireland, after that, the mindset that we made, the body language was very different. Nobody likes to lose; we understand that. But after that first match, the mindset that we have, if we continue that you will see a different side,” Fakhar said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The southpaw disclosed that Pakistan’s fresh objective when batting first is to surpass the 200-run mark. This assertive approach towards scoring runs aims to tackle lingering concerns about their batting performance, which have impeded their advancement.
“We have meetings after every game, and the mindset we have now is that our target batting first is to make 200 or 200-plus. I am talking about this mindset, that if we go into the World Cup with it, there’s always talk about our batting, though the bowling is world-class. What I’m saying is, our batting, the mindset that we have, and are batting with, you’ll see we will play for 200-plus. You’ll see the intent,” he added.
We’re very excited to work with Gary Kirsten say’s Fakhar Zaman.
Another favorable development for the team is the selection of Gary Kirsten as head coach. The left-handed batsman expresses enthusiasm about collaborating with the seasoned South African, recognizing it as a significant asset for the team.
“Gary is such a great guy. He is new, but we don’t feel he is new because the day he arrived he gelled with the team. He likes to talk to everyone. He likes to hear our story, how we play cricket, and his own culture. We’re very excited to work with him,” he added
The 34-year-old commended Kirsten for his involvement in the Pakistan camp ahead of the upcoming major event in June. He also mentioned the ease with which the former Proteas player communicates with the entire squad, highlighting Kirsten’s ability to engage effectively with the team.
“He hasn’t had that much time, but his mindset, the way he sits and talks with us like we’re friends, I liked that. The World Cup is so close, so I’m not going to listen to anyone right now [about his batting]. If you tinker stuff with a tournament so close it’s not easy. So, I’m going to keep playing the way I am and then will work with him after that,” he concluded.
