Pakistan's makeshift opener Babar Azam has claimed that the team is not feeling under the pump ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. Babar said that they have discussed mistakes made in the past and will look to ensure that they won't happen again.
“There is no pressure of anything,” Babar told ICC.
“What has happened in the past is beyond us. We have discussed mistakes we have made and we have worked on them. So we will try not to do what we have done in the past.”
In the ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan finished fifth on the points table with four wins from nine games. They were defeated at home by New Zealand in the tri-nation series final last week. Meanwhile, Babar's wait for a century in international cricket continues. He was a youngster when Pakistan beat India in the Champions Trophy 2017 final but is now relishing the senior player role.
“When you have responsibility as a senior player in any team and the team relies on you and has belief in you, then I take it in a positive way,” said Babar.
“I try to give my best in every match. I try to perform so that Pakistan win and I enjoy my cricket.”
Babar looking to use home advantage
Babar expressed that hosting Champions Trophy means a lot to Pakistan and prays that they manage to defend the title using the home advantage.
“When you play at home you get that edge as you know the conditions,” he said.
ALSO READ: Former Mumbai captain and selector Milind Rege who played alongside Sunil Gavaskar passes away
“You have a knowledge of how the pitch will behave, both in the first and second (innings), but still you have to play good cricket because all other teams are among the best."
“It means a lot to be hosting the competition. The hospitality here in Pakistan is great and people love cricket here.
“Cricket puts everyone in one place. It unites everyone and the whole of Pakistan is busy praying that Pakistan wins. Everyone is united in that.”
After taking on Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand at National Stadium, Karachi, Pakistan will head to Dubai for the high-voltage clash against India.