I like Pakistan to be underrated: Wasim Akram opens up about team’s World Cup 2023 chances

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram said he doesn’t want the pressure of expectations on Babar Azam’s men even as they have done well in ODIs in the lead-up to the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup in 2023.

Wasim Akram, who was part of the World Cup-winning Pakistan in 1992, lauded the consistency of Pakistan in tthe lead-up to the major tournaments, saying that the team looks happy and settled under Babar Azam.

Pakistan headed into the Asia Cup as the No. 1-ranked ODI side and 3 of their batters are in the top 5 of ICC ODI rankings with captain Babar leading the charts. Pakistan looked a well-rounded side with their bowling attack gaining the reputation of being one of the most feared in ODIs. Shaheen Afridi has made it a habit to strike early while Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf perfectly complement Shaheen. In Shadab Khan, Pakistan have a world-class all-rounder, who is more than a handy leg-spinner too.

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For the first time in many years, Pakistan will head into major tournaments, especially in the sub-continent, as one of the favorites, having shed the ‘unpredictable’ tag for good.

“I like Pakistan to be underrated, underdogs. I don’t want them to go in as favourites. If you are a low-key team, you have a chance, and the Pakistan team has got the right preparation going,” Akram told Fox Sports.

“As far as preparation is concerned, physical preparation, mental preparation, getting used to the conditions, the pitches, the weather â€æ their preparation is on the right track. They look happy, they look settled, they are winning, so everything is going well.

“They’re right up there as favourites, no doubt,” he added.

STRONG START!

Pakistan marked a triumphant start to their Asia Cup campaign with a resounding 238-run victory over Nepal. The match, held at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan, was a one-sided affair, with Pakistan showcasing their dominance in every aspect of the game.

The foundation of Pakistan’s massive win was laid by their batters, Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. Babar, who is currently ranked number one in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, scored an impressive 151 runs. Iftikhar Ahmed, on the other hand, contributed with a maiden ODI century. Their combined efforts propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 342 for six.

Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Shadab Khan, then dismantled the Nepalese batting line-up, bundling them out for a mere 104 runs. Shadab picked up four wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf claimed two each.

Pakistan will face a stiff test on September 2 as they face India, who are looking to lay down an early marker, in their second Group A match of Asia Cup 2023.