"It is important to be relaxed and confident before every big game" : Sarfraz Ahmed

[Abdullah719]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed is making sure his players feel no pressure ahead of their high-profile clash against arch-rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy in Birmingham on Sunday.

“We are trying to stay relaxed and not take pressure. It is important to be relaxed and confident before every big game, to keep the nerves in check,” Sarfraz said while speaking to a private news channel.

When asked what bowling combination he plans to unleash against India, Sarfraz said the decision would be made after reading the pitch on the match day (June 4).

“It depends on how the pitch looks before the game. We will unleash our best pace attack, maybe three or four fast bowlers if needed, or a combination of spin and pace,” the 30-year-old wicket-keeper/batsman said.

He vowed the team would give their best in every game of the elite eight-nation Champions Trophy.

“You will see us playing to the best of our capabilities. You will see a fighting team,” Sarfraz said. “We will do our best to make our country proud.”

https://www.dawn.com/news/1336826/not-taking-pressure-for-india-clash

 

[letme alone]

win macth for us.......................please

 

[Mir jibran]

have high hopes on u sarfi
plz win this for ur fans

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Pakistan will win it IA.

 

[jattafridi]

Good luck brave captain

I know the result but atleast try your best

 

[JibranAnsari]

Its important to do this instead of just saying it.

 

[TahirFan]

"It is important to be relaxed and confident before every big game" : Sarfraz Ahmed

The Proteas should be given the same advice. It is important for them to relax and not choke again

 

[Dr_Green]

We most likely won't win due to the better skill level of Indian team but as long as they fight bravely will do us proud

 

[proud_pakistani]

First pressure game for Sarfraz since the taking over ODI captaincy. Will be interesting to see how he manages the troops. As long as Pakistan fight hard which I believe Sarfraz will make them do I will be content.

 

[Pete Rose]

is this a tacit admission that pakistan is usually not relaxed before a big game?

 

[Dr_Green]

is this a tacit admission that pakistan is usually not relaxed before a big game?

Yes I do believe this is the case, India has beaten pak in big tournaments due to them being able to handle pressure and staying more relaxed.

I'm glad they recognise this and also glad they thinking of pitch condition and playing 4 seamers which is way to go in Edgbaston with cloud cover

 

[Sane.Cricket.Fan]

I think Sarfaraz does realize that this one is the Most Important Match as Captain that he has ever played so far.

Being relaxed would be very difficult when an entire nation looks up to someone.

 

[Dr_Green]

I think Sarfaraz does realize that this one is the Most Important Match as Captain that he has ever played so far.

Being relaxed would be very difficult when an entire nation looks up to someone.

I think this Pakistan team being ranked 8th etc does not have that weight of expectations anymore and nothing to lose , kohli however will feel the pressure having a billion people on his back, with billions of dollars behind him and expected to win.

I believe pak should be able to play freely which is when they at the best but we have to accept our skill level is below India but anything can happen on the day

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Yes I do believe this is the case, India has beaten pak in big tournaments due to them being able to handle pressure and staying more relaxed.

I'm glad they recognise this and also glad they thinking of pitch condition and playing 4 seamers which is way to go in Edgbaston with cloud cover

Yes to know that they focus on being relaxed and thinking about playing 4 men pace attack if they do so. Going in with Amir junaid Hassan and wahab is the best way to go and also adding the spin of shadab to it is even more lethal. India has to find a way to attack one of them can go either way. Looking for a bowling attack of Amir junaid Hasan wahab and shadab. Amir and junaid opening the bowling with Hasan as first change and in middle overs pace from one end of wahab and leg spin from other end of shadab if bowled well then it is really difficult to score runs against them.

 

[Dr_Green]

Yes to know that they focus on being relaxed and thinking about playing 4 men pace attack if they do so. Going in with Amir junaid Hassan and wahab is the best way to go and also adding the spin of shadab to it is even more lethal. India has to find a way to attack one of them can go either way. Looking for a bowling attack of Amir junaid Hasan wahab and shadab. Amir and junaid opening the bowling with Hasan as first change and in middle overs pace from one end of wahab and leg spin from other end of shadab if bowled well then it is really difficult to score runs against them.

Tail will be too long 3 specialist fast bowling and only 2 out of imad/shadab & fahim should play , need batting depth

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Tail will be too long 3 specialist fast bowling and only 2 out of imad/shadab & fahim should play , need batting depth

Pitches are flat so need to beef up the bowling line up. 6 batsmen is enough for the work I think.

I would play

Azhar Haris babar hafeez sarfraz Malik shadab Amir hasan Wahab junaid.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

well said champ thats the way to go!

 

[Zaz]

Pitches are flat so need to beef up the bowling line up. 6 batsmen is enough for the work I think.

I would play

Azhar Haris babar hafeez sarfraz Malik shadab Amir hasan Wahab junaid.

Sorry but pitchez being flat are precisely the reason why u need batting depth It allows you to go hard at it from ball one and play for that 320-330 totals

If you play 6 batsmen there ll always be a fear that you cant lose too many wkts and that will reflect in the type of cricket being played

Bowling strength is overhyped in odis Batting wins u games these days Specialits bowlers are routinely going at 7 and 8 runs an over so its pointless picking extra bowlerz who donr offer anything with bat when part timers can do a similar job and contribute with bat too

 

[Muhammad10]

Especially before a big one against India!