Pakistan cricketer Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led the side to title victory at the Champions Trophy 2017, has backed the side to defend their title as they gear up for the blockbuster event, scheduled to begin from February 19. Sarfaraz also spoke highly of Babar Azam and opening batter Fakhar Zaman as to how crucial their forms will be for Pakistan in defending their title. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will be opening the batting for the side at the eight-team tournament.
“Pakistan have a really good chance of defending that title and I think they have a strong team. Some of the boys from 2017 are still there and we’re talking about some of the best – especially Babar Azam,” Sarfaraz said as quoted by the ICC.
“He is a different Babar to the one that played in 2017, a more mature player and a dominant player in the game. His batting will be so important for Pakistan and so will Fakhar Zaman’s."
“With the ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are brilliant bowlers and are playing well. The captain, Mohammad Rizwan, is also a wicketkeeper-batter, which worked pretty well for me back in 2017!”
Pakistan will start their campaign by facing New Zealand in the opener on February 19 at National Stadium, Karachi. And, their biggest group stage clash against India will be played on Sunday at Dubai International Stadium. Remarking on the highly anticipated clash, Sarfaraz Khan said that Pakistan need to play intense but smart cricket against India.
“Whenever we meet, it is a special occasion and there is so much hype and pressure around it. But as players, you need to stay calm, try and block that noise out, and just play with the same intensity as you would play Australia or any other team.”