In an intriguing development, the participation of Pakistan players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) hangs in the balance, yet the televised spectacle of this lucrative tournament played a pivotal role in guiding the Pakistan cricket team to a triumphant start in the opening World Cup match.
Within the 15-man Pakistan squad, a mere two players, the versatile Mohammad Nawaz and Agha Salman, possessed prior experience of visiting India. Nawaz was a part of the squad that competed in the 2016 World T20, while Salman showcased his talents with the Lahore Lions during the 2014 T20 Champions League. Notably, the current captain and cricket sensation, Babar Azam, was initially selected for the 2016 T20 squad but had to withdraw due to an injury.
Saud Shakeel, who earned the title of the “Man of the Match” in Pakistan’s resounding 81-run victory over the Netherlands in Hyderabad, candidly admitted, “We have come to India for the first time, so we don’t possess an extensive understanding of playing in India. However, we gleaned valuable insights from watching the IPL and some matches in Hyderabad, which certainly proved advantageous.”
Shakeel exhibited remarkable adaptability in his new surroundings, contributing an impressive 68 runs to Pakistan’s success against the Dutch. Mohammad Rizwan also excelled, matching Shakeel’s score in a crucial 120-run partnership, rescuing Pakistan from a precarious position at 38-3 at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.
Pakistan’s opening batsmen, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, faced early dismissals, scoring 12 and 15 runs, respectively. Captain Babar Azam, a cricket luminary, encountered a challenging stint, managing a mere five runs from 18 balls. Shakeel astutely remarked, “The tournament has only just begun, and we find ourselves playing on a Hyderabad pitch that is well-known for its early stoppage of the ball. The risk of losing a wicket is ever-present.”
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s journey in the World Cup continues as they prepare to confront Sri Lanka in their next encounter on Tuesday, once again on the grounds of Hyderabad. The cricketing world eagerly anticipates the upcoming clash of titans as Pakistan squares off against arch-rivals India in Ahmedabad on October 14, promising a spectacle of epic proportions.
By AFP
