Fakhar Zaman. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
After Pakistan’s disappointing loss to Ireland in the first T201 of the recent three-match T20I series, star batter Fakhar Zaman says the team has adopted a far more aggressive mindset.
The new change in mindset comes into play heading into the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA starting next month. The defeat was a wake-up call, pushing Men in Green to be more attacking with their approach.
“After we lost that first game against Ireland, after that, the mindset that we made, the body language was very different. Nobody likes to lose; we understand that. But after that first match, the mindset that we have, if we continue that you will see a different side,” Fakhar said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
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The left-hander revealed Pakistan’s new target when batting first is to score over 200 runs. This aggressive run-scoring intent is aimed at addressing concerns about their batting that have hindered their progress.
“We have meetings after every game, and the mindset we have now is that our target batting first is to make 200 or 200-plus. I am talking about this mindset, that if we go into the World Cup with it, there’s always talk about our batting, though the bowling is world-class. What I’m saying is, our batting, the mindset that we have, and are batting with, you’ll see we will play for 200-plus. You’ll see the intent,” he added.
We’re very excited to work with Gary Kirsten: Fakhar Zaman
Another positive for the side has been the appointment of Gary Kirsten as head coach. The left-hander is excited about working with the experienced South African.
“Gary is such a great guy. He is new, but we don’t feel he is new because the day he arrived he gelled with the team. He likes to talk to everyone. He likes to hear our story, how we play cricket, and his own culture. We’re very excited to work with him,” he added.
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The 34-year-old praised Kirsten for being part of the Pakistan camp ahead of the marquee event in June. He even spoke about how comfortably the former Proteas player speaks to the whole squad.
“He hasn’t had that much time, but his mindset, the way he sits and talks with us like we’re friends, I liked that. The World Cup is so close, so I’m not going to listen to anyone right now [about his batting]. If you tinker stuff with a tournament so close it’s not easy. So, I’m going to keep playing the way I am and then will work with him after that,” he concluded.