ICC World Cup 2019: Sarfraz Ahmed Optimistic About Pakistan’s Preparations

May 30, 2019 at 5:36 PM

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ICC World Cup 2019: Sarfraz Ahmed Optimistic About Pakistan’s Preparations

Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed believes their team is in good stead despite losing the five-match One-day International (ODI) series 4-0 against England ahead of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Meanwhile, he further stressed they’re equally prepared for the mega ICC event which marked the beginning with England vs South Africa game in London on May 30.

Meanwhile, the wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz, who led Pakistan to glory during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, is aiming high for the quadrennial event.

Moreover, Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign at the Trent Bridge in Southampton. They will wrestle against the Windies on Friday (May 31st).

The Men in Green will be seeking inspiration following their title victory at the Oval on June 18, 2017, in London.

Sarfraz reiterated in 2017 there were in similar sort of situation before laying hands on the coveted trophy.

“We will seek inspiration from our Champions Trophy win. Because then also we were losing and then lifted ourselves at the right time to win the trophy,” Sarfaraz told reporters in Nottingham.

In 2017, Pakistan made an entry into the tournament on the back of a 4-1 loss against Australia. Consequently, India thrashed them by 124 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham by 124. However, Men in Green returned stronger to pip South Africa, Sri Lanka and then England in the semis respectively.

However, they thumped India by 180 runs in the finale to stun the cricketing world.

Pakistan lost ten ODIs:

Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan National Cricket Team, ICC World Cup 2019
Sarfraz wants to put losses behind. Photo Credit: AFP.

The unpredictability has equally been a bane or boon for Pakistan cricket. In the recent past, Pakistan went on to lose ten ODIs.

Interestingly, following a 5-0 whitewash by Australia at the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Three Lions routed Pakistan 4-0 after apart from a game being abandoned due to inclement weather.

Recently, Pakistan faced a humiliating three-wicket loss in their first warm-up against Afghanistan. However, their second warm-up fixture was washed out.

As of now, Sarfraz is optimistic that they’re focused on games rather than the losses they’ve had faced, of late.

“The boys are motivated and are eager to put these losses behind them. And by playing in England for a month we are well prepared and you will hopefully see us doing well,” Sarfraz added.

In the 15-man squad, only four have featured in the 2015 World Cup. Thus, it includes Sarfraz, Mohammad Hafeez, Harris Sohail and Wahab Riaz, respectively.

Sarfraz wants Amir to do well:

Mohammad Amir, ICC World Cup 2019,
Amir has to deliver for Pakistan. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Also, Sarfraz has set his sights on pace spearhead Mohammad Amir, who is playing his first World Cup. Amir, who has recovered from Chickenpox, made an entry in the 15-man squad after missing out in the provisional list. Sarfraz is convinced that Amir will prove his credentials.

“We know Amir is an impact bowler and he knows his responsibilities. I am sure he will lift his bowling and get us early wickets,” Sarfraz Ahmed.

But, Amir’s poor form has been a cause of concern for Pakistan.

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