Bowling coach Azhar Mahmood hopes to catch New Zealand on a rare 'bad day'

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood is hoping to catch the unbeaten New Zealand on "a bad day" when the two teams meet in their World Cup 2019 fixture at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

New Zealand are yet to be beaten in the World Cup, and boast five wins in six games with one being washed out. 

Pakistan, meanwhile, have won two out of their six games and are in a must-win situation to stay alive in the tournament.

“There’s always a bad day. Teams do have that one bad day after a streak of wins, and I just hope theirs is tomorrow,” Azhar said with a smile on his face.

“Anyway, we’ll have to be at our best, and must give our 100% in all three departments of the game,” the former all-rounder stated.

He opined that things aren’t too different from 1992, and that Pakistan will play each game as if it's their last.

Mahmood said that Pakistan team has played enough cricket with New Zealand and knows about their strength and weaknesses.

“Everyone is playing their part. There’s input from everyone, including our fielding coach from New Zealand, Grant Bradbun,” he said.

Replying to a question, the bowling coach stated that Pakistan are very much alive in the tournament and they’ll try to give their best by winning all remaining games.

“The top three need to play an important role. If they can score big then we will be in position to beat any team. But I repeat that we need to be at our best in all three departments of the game,” he added.

Furthermore, Mahmood hoped that Hasan Ali would return to form soon as "he just needs a good day to regain momentum."

“If you look at Amir, he was also struggling but this tournament has become his comeback event. He has regained his confidence. I hope Hasan returns to form soon as well,” he said.

He hinted that Pakistan would go with an unchanged XI against the Black Caps.

Mahmood also discussed the "negativity" surrounding the team before their win against New Zealand on Sunday, and said that "sometimes negativity makes everyone angry."

“One should be positive, [and hope] for a change. We do not need to be negative all the time."

He urged the critics to lighten up, quipping that their gloomy outlook makes the players think of "ingesting poison and committing suicide". 

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