The ICC World Cup 2023 has unfolded intriguing possibilities, with former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram proposing a rather unconventional route for Babar Azam’s team to secure a spot in the semifinals potentially. His unique suggestion recently stirred up conversations in cricketing circles.
After New Zealand’s decisive victory over Sri Lanka, the situation for Babar Azam’s squad seems quite precarious in their quest for the semi-finals. The Black Caps’ triumphant win has further complicated Pakistan’s path in the tournament, adding a tinge of urgency and complexity to their next moves.
In a playful and somewhat humorous tone, Wasim Akram proposed a whimsical plan in an interview with A Sports. He quirkily suggested that Pakistan could bat first against England, set a target, and then whimsically prevent the England team from taking the field, forcing a “timed-out” scenario.
Acknowledging the whimsy, Akram stressed that the proposition was presented in jest. He humorously pointed out that while it’s mathematically possible, the practicality of executing such a tactic on the cricket field might be a tad outlandish.
“Mathematically, it is still possible,” quips Wasim Akram on A Sports.
The Men in Green currently stand at the fifth position on the table, having secured 8 points in their journey through the tournament. With a maximum potential of 10 points in the league-stage matches, their path to the semi-finals is marred by their Net Run Rate (NNR), which trails behind that of New Zealand.
“Pakistan should bat first against England and post runs, then lock the England team in the dressing room and get them timed out,” Akram added.
The looming clash with defending champions England presents a pivotal opportunity for Pakistan to make a last-ditch effort to secure a place in the semi-finals. The odds, while seemingly challenging, still keep the door slightly ajar for an unexpected turn of events in the tournament’s storyline.
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The NNR, a pivotal factor in the qualification process, presents a major hurdle for Pakistan. Their hopes to advance rely not just on victory but on doing so in a manner that significantly improves their NNR, a challenge that adds layers of complexity to their task.
The final league-stage match against England at the iconic Eden Gardens on November 11 promises to be an intense showdown, with both teams eyeing their respective goals in this gripping cricketing saga.
