Pakistan is currently under pressure after suffering consecutive losses in the 2018 ICC Cricket World Cup despite having one of the finest tournament beginnings. With Afghanistan, a team with elite spinners, as their opponent in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, one of the most spin-friendly venues, the Babar Azam-led team now has their work cut out for them.
Pakistan recently suffered humiliating losses to India, its archrival, and Australia, the defending champion. The 1992 winners made a strong start against India in Ahmedabad, but they were 191 all out after going three for 115. Similar circumstances applied to Australia, who were four for 232 before being eliminated for good in Bengaluru.
On the day of the game, Pakistan’s top order faced spinners in the nets due to recent setbacks and Afghanistan’s strength. The batsmen who faced Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, and reserve Abrar Ahmed were captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper Rizwan, and Saud Shakeel.
Imam-ul-Haq, the Pakistani opener, spoke candidly about how his team is preparing for the match against Afghanistan.
In another game, played on a pitch that encouraged spin, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan.
“Our starts in the last two games were excellent. Throughout the first 20 to 25 overs, our run rate was good. The New Indian Express cited Imam-ul-Haq as saying, “And then we abruptly fell.
Of course, Afghanistan has skilled spinners who can bowl well in the middle overs. But in August 2023, we defeated them 3-0 in Hambantota. Even there, the weather was highly conducive to spinning. We will support that and our capacity, he continued.
Jonathan Trott, the head coach of Afghanistan, did not believe that there would be a straightforward struggle between spinners and the opposing batters.
There are typically only two or three spinners participating in a game. Additionally, the other eight must participate in the game. The spinners are crucial, but it takes a team to succeed. There isn’t a sole reliance on spinners. The former England international told reporters in Chennai that seam bowlers also need to bowl well in whatever conditions we are faced with.
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