Star Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq is excited to play against Men in Blue in the ODI World Cup later this year in India. The India-Pakistan games in cricket are one of the most anticipated matches in the cricket team across any format of the game The rivalry between the two neighbouring nations has come a long way as it carries a lot of emotions on and off the field between the citizens of both countries.
India and Pakistan play against each other only in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup following the suspension of bilateral ties. The Men in Green will fancy their chances of coming into the marquee event in India, as they have got enough resources in the team to win the championship in India.
Speaking on the YouTube channel Grassroots Cricket, Imam-ul-Haq is excited to play against Rohit Sharma-led side in India and believes that Pakistan has got the balanced and experienced team to do well in India, as they have done well in the 50-over in recent times chasing down the big totals in both home and away conditions and reckons that the team can do special things on the Indian soil later this year.
“Playing in India, especially against India, and doing something special (was something) that Babar and I were discussing before 2010, I really believe our one-day team is the most compatible and balanced. The combination is similar to 2019. Whenever you give opportunities to players, performances will come.
“We have chased 350 here (in Pakistan), we’ve scored 330 in South Africa, we won the series there. So yes, everybody is excited. A bit nervous as well, I won’t lie. This team can do wonders, and it would be good for our nation if we win the World Cup in India,” Imam-ul-Haq said.
Imam-ul-Haq has proven himself to be a match-winner for the Men in Green in ODI matches. The Left-handed opener had a prolific season in 2022 with the bat in ODIs, scoring 505 runs in eight matches at an average of 72.14, and had a decent outing with the bat against New Zealand in the recent ODI series.
My Performances Have Gone Up To A Good Level – Imam-ul-Haq
Imam-ul-Haq feels that he is a different player from the 2019 World Cup is more mature in his approach going into the matches and believes that he has the responsibility as a senior to play long for his team and added he wants to continue his form going into the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023.
“Yes, I really believe. If I ask myself, if I see in the mirror, Imam-ul-Haq is very different from 2019 to 2023. I’m much older, much more mature. And as a senior, now I have the responsibility. I’ve developed my shots as well. From last 4 years, my performances have gone up to a good level, so I want to continue that,” Imam-ul-Haq added.
Pakistan has been one of the most improved teams in recent times, as their batters have scored runs all around the world, with their pace attack being one of the most lethal groups in International cricket, as their seamers clock above 140+ regularly. The team will be pumped to do well in ODI World Cup later this year.