Srinagar: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has said that he is pruod of his fast bowlers and at the same time also raised concern over travel fatigue.
Pakistan is set to clash with India in the Super 4 encounter of Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo on Sunday. In the pre-match press conference, Babar praised his fast bowling unit calling the best and said he proud of them.
“Fast bowlers win matches and tournaments, I believe,” Babar said, adding that the secret of their success is that they trust each other and believe in themselves.
About the non stop travelling of the team, Babar Azam said, “We are constantly travelling. While you are playing, you don’t feel much, but it is very important to take care of the players”.
Before the tournament kicked off on August 30, Pakistan had been touring Sri Lanka for a series against Afghanistan, from which they returned to Pakistan towards end of August to play against Nepal in the opening match at Multan. The side then flew to Sri Lanka for their match against India on September 2 and then returned to Lahore for a clash against Bangladesh on September 6. They are now again in Colombo, Sri Lanka for a clash against India set to be played tomorrow (Sunday).
“The way the sun is shining, it seems it will not rain tomorrow,” he said, adding that training was in the hands of the team and they were doing that.
He further said that the team may have a playing advantage in Colombo.
“Our bowling start is good and middlemen are also trying to do well. We need to get wickets in the middle overs but we are finishing well,” Babar said.
He said that they were trying different combinations and that’s why fast-bowler Faheem Ashraf was put to play during the match.
“Our options are open and the players selected are the best. We do not suffer from the problem of selection.
“We know who we are going to get to play,” the skipper said.
He said the team was focused on winning matches, winning tournaments and staying together.
“For the World Cup, we are looking at the Asia Cup to see what else can be improved,” he said, adding that the squad was almost decided.
“All [we] do [is] for the betterment of the team, not [to cause] heartbreak for the players, whoever gets selected will be the best,” the skipper said.