CHENNAI, In a crucial upcoming match, Pakistan’s cricket team is gearing up to face South Africa in their sixth game of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday. Having started their World Cup journey on a high with victories over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, the team has faced a setback with three subsequent losses. Now, with their sights set firmly on the semi-finals, Pakistan is seeking to recapture their early momentum.
According to a news release by Pakistan Cricket Board, Mickey Arthur, the team director, remains optimistic about the team’s chances, drawing parallels to past successes. He recalled how Pakistan managed a dramatic comeback in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia and their triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England, despite initial challenges. “We said in the change room the other night that we have got six matches to win the World Cup,” Arthur expressed. Emphasizing the need for perfect strategy and execution, he said, “if we do that, there is no reason why we cannot [win the World Cup].”
Recent defeats for Pakistan came at the hands of Afghanistan, India, and Australia, with the last one being particularly unexpected. Despite these setbacks, the team showcased moments of excellence. Arthur believes that to strengthen their semi-final qualification bid, it’s imperative for the team to excel in all aspects of the game. He highlighted the importance of instilling confidence and belief in the players to enable them to deliver their best on the field.
Commenting on the team’s recent performance, Arthur remarked, “We have not played the complete game. It is up to us to delve, to dig, to give advice, to give information and to give the belief that we can put that perfect game together because we know our perfect game is good enough to beat anybody.”
While South Africa enters the contest boasting four victories in five matches, Arthur remains confident about Pakistan’s prospects. Recognizing South Africa’s prowess and form, he concluded, “I know though that if we do our basics and disciplines right, our skills will come out and we can beat anybody.”