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These are the best players and Pakistan should stick with them: Akram

Former pacer believes overhaul is not necessary despite poor show in World Cup

By Web Desk

November 10, 2023

Wasim Akram speaks during an interview. - ICC

Former pacer Wasim Akram believes that the current squad is the best Pakistan have despite the Men in Green’s disappointing performance in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 in India.

Akram was responding to a question about an overhaul in Pakistan cricket like England did after the 2015 World Cup debacle, when they were knocked out in the group stage.

“Do we have the players? Do we have a Plan B? I don’t think so. These are the best players we have and we have to stick with them,” Akram said on a local sports channel.

It must be noted that New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the 41st match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India, on Thursday.

The Black Caps' crucial win has made Pakistan's path to the World Cup semi-finals — which was already difficult — nearly impossible as they require a massive win over England in their last match in Kolkata on November 11.

If Pakistan bat first against England, they would have to beat them by 287 runs.

If Pakistan bowl first against England, they would have to chase down the target with 284 balls to spare, which means in just 2.4 overs.

India, South Africa and Australia have already booked their place in the mega event's semi-final and as of now three teams, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Pakistan, are fighting for the one vacant position.

As things stand, the Black Caps seem to be in a dominating position to qualify and they are followed by Pakistan while Afghanistan's position is the weakest courtesy of their negative net run rate (NRR).