On Monday, Shoaib Malik, veteran Pakistan batsman, said the big win over arch-rivals India gave his side the momentum to do well in the ongoing T20 World Cup as they are on the verge of qualifying for the semifinals.
Shoaib Malik Says The Biggest Thing For Him Is To See Consistency In Pakistan Dressing Room As They Got Momentum After Winning Against India
Pakistan media manager refused to entertain any questions for Shoaib Malik on the Indian cricket team, in fact, going on to block a couple of reporters’ questions as well. However, veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik said that winning a big game like the one against India has given a massive confidence boost to the side.
“To be honest, of course when you start your tournament and you start your tournament against a big team and then you win that game, then everything comes in your dressing room,” Malik said at the pre-match press conference.
“And I guess momentum and everything has come to us when we played that game. Obviously, when you start the tournament, the goal is to give your best shot as a team.”
Shoaib Malik, who has played 119 T20I matches since making his debut in 2006, said since he joined the team, the way the Pakistan players have been dealing with pressure has been exceptional.
“To see consistency in Pakistan dressing room, that’s the biggest thing for me so far, and everyone’s helping each other. And it’s a team game,” Malik said, according to the ICC.
“When you’re playing a team game, then you need your teammates’ help, you need a lot of support from your management. And I see all of that coming,” said the 39-year-old right-handed batter.
The veteran Pakistan all-rounder praised Babar Azam’s captaincy, saying that he had matured as a skipper.
Shoaib Malik: In T20I Format, One Can’t Take Opposition Lightly
He said the team’s confidence level is quite high, and the players are looking forward to doing well in the rest of the event.
Asked about Tuesday’s match against Namibia, he said, “To be honest, we are not thinking any different because T20 format is where you can’t take the opposition lightly. We are fully confident and in fact leaving soon for our practice session. So looking forward for the game.”
Shoaib Malik agreed that bio-bubble life is difficult, but it’s a bit better for the players if their families are around.
“Well, to be honest, bubble life, it’s a tough thing, especially when you’re like playing a lot of back-to-back series. But the good thing is that our families are with us. We’ve been spending a lot of time together as families, as teammates. So it’s a good thing.”
“But when your goal is to achieve something in life, then you have to go through hard yards, and we have that in our mind. And we are only focused for this particular tournament. And some have started enjoying the bubble life as well.”
Pakistan has beaten all three toughest sides in group B. In their opening match against India. They stunned everyone to earn a 10-wicket win. They carried on their winning run against New Zealand as well after beating them by 5 wickets. In their last game against Afghanistan, they exhibited another all-around performance to earn their third consecutive win of the tournament.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have been brilliant as far as the pace department is concerned. Besides, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim have been quite accurate with their lengths and gave the batsmen very little to work with. However, Hasan Ali’s poor run in the tournament is a matter of concern.
Pakistan could have lost their last two games had Asif Ali not played match-winning cameos in the end. Pakistan would be wanting both Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik to take some responsibility on their shoulders and hopefully get back to form before playing the semi-finals.