Pakistan's cricket captain, Babar Azam, touched down in Ahmedabad on October 4, and the rousing reception he received set the tone for the Captains' Day celebrations leading up to the World Cup 2023. This mega-event will kick-start with a thrilling replay of the 2019 final between New Zealand and England. Captains from all nine participating teams will grace the Captains' Day.
Babar's arrival was greeted with immense enthusiasm, underscoring the spirit of the sport. He soon rendezvoused with India's captain, Rohit Sharma, in a heartwarming meeting marked by friendly gestures and a heartfelt hug. Their camaraderie is a testament to the fact that while on-field rivalries may be intense, off the field, it's all about mutual respect and the shared love for the game.
Before landing in Ahmedabad, Babar showcased his form during Pakistan's warm-up clash against Australia at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Scoring a commendable 90 off 59 balls, he once again underlined his importance to the Pakistani side. His 80-run performance against New Zealand's Tom Latham-led team further solidified his position as a player to watch this World Cup.
Pakistan's initial touchdown in Hyderabad was also marked with grand celebrations, with key players like Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan expressing their gratitude on social media platforms. Their Instagram stories were flooded with glimpses of the love and warmth showered upon them.
However, in terms of match outcomes, Pakistan faced defeats in both warm-up matches despite posting 300+ scores. Mohammad Rizwan, in particular, stood out with a century against the Black Caps, placing him in a confident stride leading into the main event.
Irfan Pathan, the renowned former Indian all-rounder, lauded Babar's prowess but also voiced concerns about Pakistan's opening batsmen, Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman.
"Babar Azam looks solid for this World Cup. Nawaz is a big plus for Pakistan today. Openers are big worry for them," Pathan wrote on X after Pakistan's clash against Australia.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Pakistan's World Cup opener on October 6, where they'll lock horns with Scott Edwards' Netherlands team in Hyderabad.
In sum, with stellar performances and warm interactions off the field, the World Cup 2023 is shaping up to be an event to remember.
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