Asia Cup: Confident Pakistan ready to give 100 percent vs India, says Babar Azam after dominant win vs Bangladesh

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said on Wednesday that a big win always gives confidence and they are not under pressure ahead of their big-ticket Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours match against India. Pakistan began the Super Fours stages with a convincing 7-wicket win over Bangladesh in Lahore on September 6.

Pakistan’s much-anticipated Group A match in Pallekele against India was abandoned due to rain without Pakistan having an opportunity to chase a 267-run target. The two teams will be looking to put on another fine show when they meet in Colombo on September 10.

Asia Cup 2023, PAK vs BAN: Highlights

“No, not really (pressure ahead of big game?) This win will give us confidence, we are always ready for a big match. We will give our 100 percent in the next match,” Babar said after Pakistan wrapped up a dominant win at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan added an extra pacer in Faheem Ashraf, learning from their mistake against India as their spinners were not able to capitalize on the good work of the pace trio which left India reeling at 66 for 3.

The highlight of their win against Bangladesh was undoubtedly the stellar bowling performance by Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

“Yeah, the credit goes to all the boys, especially to the fast bowlers, the way they bowled in the first 10 overs, and especially Rauf was really good. Faheem Ashraf bowled very well, I saw the grass on the pitch and thought of going with the extra seamer,” Babar said, heaping priase on his pace attack.

Despite being a hot day in Lahore, Haris Rauf led the pace trio with an impressive haul of four wickets, effectively shutting down Bangladesh’s batting line-up. His partner, Naseem Shah, was equally formidable, finishing with three wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi, as usual, was threatening with the new ball for Pakistan, who bowled Bangladesh out for 193.

The batting duo of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan also played a significant role with the bat, negating a good bowling show from Bangladesh. Imam-ul-Haq struck a brilliant 78, while Rizwan remained unbeaten at 63, helping Pakistan chase down the target with ease.