‘It would be good for our nation if we win the World Cup in India’ – Pakistan batter backs his team ahead of World Cup 2023
(Source – Twitter)
After facing a humiliating defeat in the finals of the World Test Championship 2023, the Indian team will be looking to improve their performance in the upcoming ODI World Cup. However, the team will start their campaign against Australia on October 8, and all eyes will be on the marquee match of the season.
The match between India and arch-rival Pakistan will be the most important game of the tournament. India will take on Pakistan at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15. Ahead of the prestigious game, Pakistan batter Imam-Ul-Haq backed his team and said that Babar Azam and co. can do wonders.
He also claimed that he and Pakistani captain Babar Azam discussed facing India at home in 2010 and agreed that it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The 27-year-old batter acknowledged being worried ahead of the big tournament, but he believes his team is capable of lifting the trophy this year.
“Playing in India, especially against India, and doing something special was something that Babar and I were discussing before 2010. I really believe our one-day team is the most compatible and balanced team. So yes, everybody is excited. I’m a bit nervous as well, I won’t lie. This team can do wonders, and it would be good for our nation if we win the World Cup in India”, said Imam in a conversation with a YouTube channel.
I’m much older and much more mature: Imam-Ul-Haq
Further speaking about his journey and experience, Imam said that he is different from 2010 and more mature now. He said, “The combination is similar to 2019. Whenever you give opportunities to players, performances will come. We chased 350 here (in Pakistan), we scored 330 in South Africa, and we won the series there. Yes, I really believe it. If I ask myself, if I see in the mirror, Imam-ul-Haq is very different from 2019 to 2023. I’m much older and much more mature.”
It’s worth noting that Imam made his debut for Pakistan in 2017 against Sri Lanka since then, he has represented the men in green in 59 ODI matches. In those games, he has scored 2719 runs at an average of 51.30 and a strike rate of 83. He has been phenomenal throughout his career and has scored some crucial runs for Pakistan.
