ENG vs PAK, T20 World Cup: I am more excited than nervous for final - Babar Azam
Pakistan and England are set to meet in the final of an ICC event after 30 long years. Babar Azam is "more excited than nervous" as he stands on the cusp of emulating the iconic Imran Khan who won the World Cup at the same venue, Melbourne Cricket Ground in the year 1992.
"I'm more excited than nervous since we've performed well in our last three matches," Babar said on Saturday.
"It is no doubt that pressure exists but it can only be suppressed with confidence and belief in ourselves. And for good results, it is pertinent that one must do so," the skipper added.
He didn't hesitate in admitting that the pace quartet of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammed Wasim Jr, and Haris Rauf are his side's strengths.
"England is a competitive team, their win to reach the finals against India was proof of that. Our strategy is to stick to our plan and use our pace attack as our strength to win the final," he said.
Talking about their World Cup journey, Babar said:
"Yes. I believe we couldn't start well but we came back with great momentum. In the previous 3-4 matches, the Pakistani team has played very well on both individual and team levels.
"We've been working really hard for this. It feels like a dream come true to reach the final."
Babar and his opening partner Mohammed Rizwan would like to seize the initiative in the first six overs.
"Utilizing power play to grab as many wickets will be essential for the match. Even when you bat, you want to set a great pace for the upcoming batsmen.
"We will try to maintain and continuously build our momentum hence ensuring better performance," the skipper said.
For Babar, it was the Almighty's will that the team is in the final.
"...but this never stops us from hard work. Providing an opportunity is indeed divine but making good use of it is when the ball is put in our court.
"I'm thankful for where I stand today and I'll continue to work harder to achieve what lies ahead."
Babar also admitted that he was under great pressure when he didn't score big in five group league games.
"Of course, great pressure is built upon you when you are under a spell of not scoring well. But here I'd like to commend the middle order, they stepped up and took the responsibility to achieve what I and Rizwan couldn't.
"Iftikhar, Shadab, and Haris played extremely well. Although a youngster, Haris proved himself to be an asset in this event. Although I couldn't perform well the rest of the team's performance kept me motivated," he added.
Babar thanked Pakistanis across the globe for standing by the team in tough times.
"Pakistan as a nation has always been our team's backbone. They uphold us through their enthusiasm. I would again request them to support us and keep praying," he concluded.
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