Babar Azam is the backbone of the team, under no pressure: Shaheen Shah Afridi

RAWALPINDI: National ODI cricket team captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has said that Babar Azam is the backbone of the team and is under no pressure. According to him, the team wants to play aggressive cricket and the experienced batting order can even chase a target of 400 runs.

Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, he said the World Cup is the team’s main focus and preparations are being made keeping South Africa’s conditions in mind.

Shaheen Afridi said Pakistan played good cricket in the recent T20 series. He said the team is now trying to build a better side for the World Cup, keeping in view the performance in the previous series. He said the team is united and will make every effort to win the event.

He said the national team should adopt a positive approach instead of being overly serious about its performance.

Speaking about Babar Azam, he said he had been captain of the national team for five years and young players learn from his experience. He said Babar had also tried to score runs in first-class cricket.

Praising Salman Ali Agha, the captain said his performances were excellent and that he had recently scored a triple century in first-class cricket.

Shaheen Afridi said he wants to perform for the team in all three departments: batting, bowling and fielding. He said young players are given a chance in the national team one by one, and plans are made to give them full opportunities.

Speaking about Saim Ayub, he said he may face difficulties in T20 or Test cricket, but his bowling is necessary for the team in the ODI format.

The national captain further said Pakistan had won recent series, but the team could not manage a whitewash. He said the aim is to overcome the shortcomings and perform even better in coming matches.

Tri-series and other news

The tri-nation ODI series begins today, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka facing each other in the first match. Seven matches will be played in the series, and the final will be held in Lahore on 31 October.

England captain Harry Brook said playing in Pakistan gives him more confidence and the aim is to beat every team. He said the tri-series is important and spectators like to see plenty of fours and sixes.

FIFA fined the Spanish Football Federation $20,000 over Islamophobic chants and also ordered that at least 15 per cent of seats be closed at its next home friendly match. Spain has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the punishment.

Young batter Hasan Nawaz has joined Desert Vipers for the fifth season of the ILT20. The 23-year-old cricketer will replace England’s Aneurin Donald, who has been picked for the T20 international series against Australia.