- Babar Azam has addressed criticism of his leadership.
- Pakistan could surpass New Zealand as best ODI side.
- The Men in Green are presently in fifth position with 107 rating points.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, has addressed criticism of his leadership in advance of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand in Karachi.
Azam stated that he is not concerned with criticism because he is committed on helping Pakistan win matches.
“My job is to play cricket and enjoy it. I don’t need to satisfy or answer anyone. I know what my game and responsibility is while batting or captaincy. I don’t need to make anyone happy, my job is to win matches for Pakistan,” Azam said during a press conference on Sunday.
Azam also declined to comment on Pakistan’s starting lineup for the opening ODI on January 9 in the match.
“I have not looked at the pitch. We will decide our playing XI after assessing the pitch. We will try to field our best XI,” he said.
“We will try to continue our momentum in white-ball cricket,” he added.
Babar Azam’s press conference ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand.
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The Pakistan skipper also stated that the selectors and team management are on the same page.
“The captain, coach and chief selector are on the same page because that’s important for the betterment of the team. We conveyed our opinion to the chief selector on selection of players,” he said.
During the next series against New Zealand, Pakistan will have the opportunity to surpass New Zealand as the best ODI side in the world.
Pakistan would go up to the top of the standings with 114 rating points if they defeat New Zealand 3-0 during the three-match series.
With 107 rating points, The Men in Green are presently in fifth position. New Zealand is now in first place with 116 rating points.
It will be Pakistan’s fourth straight series victory if they defeat New Zealand in the one-day internationals. Pakistan has won their last three ODI series against the Netherlands, West Indies, and Australia.
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