The possibility of Pakistan reaching the semi-finals after Sri Lanka’s significant defeat against New Zealand has sparked optimism among many Pakistani supporters. The current points table positions Pakistan at number 5 with 8 matches played and 8 points earned. On the other hand, New Zealand has played 9 matches and secured 10 points. If Pakistan manages to defeat England today, they will accumulate 10 points as well. However, their net run rate is currently behind by a substantial margin. To surpass New Zealand and make it to the top, Pakistan needs to win with a margin of 287 runs, and the run rate has to be achieved within 2.1 overs.
Before the match, Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir believes that achieving this seemingly impossible target is plausible. Amir places his confidence in the batsman Fakhar Zaman. He expresses that if Pakistan bats first and Fakhar performs similarly to the match against New Zealand, scoring 400-450 runs is very possible.
Amir stated in a television talk show, “The possibility of scoring 400-450 runs is there. It’s cricket. If we score 400, and restrict them to 112 runs, it’s possible. If Fakhar bats the way he did against New Zealand, then it’s possible. But it will only happen if we bat first.”
Earlier, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam also spoke about the team’s plans for achieving this challenging target. He emphasized the importance of the first 10 overs and outlined a strategy for the innings. Babar mentioned, “If Fakhar spends 20-30 overs at the crease, we can achieve our target.”
While many have written off Pakistan’s chances, Babar is not ready to shatter their dreams just yet. He remains hopeful about Pakistan’s potential exit, stating, “We don’t know what will happen in the future; we still have one match left.”
Although optimistic, former captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram does not see a possibility for Pakistan to reach the semi-finals. He humorously suggested that the only way Pakistan can make it is by locking the English team in their dressing room and taking their time out.
