Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has shared his insights on the soaring expectations surrounding the Pakistan cricket team, especially in the lead-up to high-stakes tournaments like the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023. Akram, a key figure in Pakistan's 1992 World Cup victory, praised the team's impressive run, highlighting their consistency and the uplifting atmosphere under Captain Babar Azam's leadership.
Entering the Asia Cup, Pakistan boasts the top ranking in the ODI format and flaunts three of its batters among the top 5 of the ICC ODI rankings. Babar Azam leads the charge, solidifying his spot as one of the cricketing world's elite batsmen. The team also enjoys a fearsome bowling attack, led by young talents like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. The squad is further strengthened by Shadab Khan, a world-class all-rounder and effective leg-spinner.
For the first time in many years, Pakistan will head into major tournaments, especially in the sub-continent, as one of the favorites, having shed the 'unpredictable' tag for good.
"I like Pakistan to be underrated, underdogs. I don't want them to go in as favourites. If you are a low-key team, you have a chance, and the Pakistan team has got the right preparation going," Akram told Fox Sports. "As far as preparation is concerned, physical preparation, mental preparation, getting used to the conditions, the pitches, the weather … their preparation is on the right track. They look happy, they look settled, they are winning, so everything is going well. They're right up there as favorites, no doubt," he added.
Pakistan made an emphatic statement in their Asia Cup opener, trouncing Nepal with a staggering 238-run victory at Multan Cricket Stadium. This dominant performance was orchestrated by Babar Azam, who is currently the No. 1 in ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings, and Iftikhar Ahmed. Babar posted an extraordinary 151 runs, while Iftikhar Ahmed chimed in with his maiden ODI century, setting up a massive total of 342 for six. Pakistan's bowlers, led by Shadab Khan, made short work of Nepal's batting lineup, skittling them for just 104 runs. Shadab claimed four wickets, and both Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf secured two each.
Next on the agenda is a clash with India on September 2, a match that will serve as a crucial test for both teams. As expectations reach a fever pitch, Pakistan's upcoming contests, particularly against arch-rival India in the Asia Cup, promise to be eye-catching spectacles in the cricketing calendar.
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