Pakistan skipper Babar Azam claimed that the side will adopt a “modern day” approach in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. The team would look to score over 300 consistently in the ongoing ODI series.
Pakistani captain aims for consistency, with the Asians often being called an unpredictable team due to their ability to spring surprises on the best and at the same time lose to a relatively weaker sides.
Babar claimed that Pakistan would look to finish their innings with a flourish and score over 300 in the ODI series against the Proteas. Pakistan will play three ODIs and four T20Is against South Africa, with the first one-dayer slated to begin in Centurion on Friday.
We are trying to play ‘modern-day cricket’ for the upcoming event. We will try to gain the necessary points through the series against South Africa. We will start strong. If our finishers fire, we can reach a total above 300,
Babar said in a Press Conference.
The stylish right-hander claimed that the team is looking to change their approach in 50-overs cricket by being more aggressive with the bat. He went on to add that the key to getting 300-plus scores is finishing with a bang and scoring as many runs as possible in the final few overs. He also highlighted the fact that the Pakistani side has played a lot of 50-overs cricket since the last World Cup, which will allow them to go all out against South Africa.
Babar added that the team is considerably happy with the performances of Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan as they have been able to churn out runs at a brisk pace and have batted with a sense of responsibility in their last few games. He also talked about the importance of rotating the strike to minimize dot balls and the role of the top order in getting the team to a massive total.
Babar said Pakistan’s edge was its bowling which had the capacity to restrict teams to totals under 300. He said the coaches had been working tirelessly with the lower order batsmen and all-rounders to create depth in the batting line up and strengthen the bowling unit as well.
On being asked about the team combinations he would like to prefer, Babar claimed,
we will decide the playing XI after looking at the pitch. Every player has a particular role in the team so we will put out a balanced combination.
He further claimed that his team is looking to be positive and fearless.
