PAK vs NZ: “I Don't Have To Please Anyone And My Aim Is To Win Matches For Pakistan” - Babar Azam Says Ahead Of 1st ODI against New Zealand

Published - 09 Jan 2023, 02:45 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Babar Azam (PC-Getty Images)

Pakistan will take on New Zealand in a three-match series, with the first match starting on Monday, January 9, at the National Stadium in Karachi. The Men in Green are hoping to continue their momentum from the red-ball format to ODI cricket. Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted that he is focused on his game rather than outside noise.

Pakistan beat the Netherlands, West Indies, and Australia last year and are hoping to win four consecutive series by beating the Blackcaps in the ODI series. Babar Azam had an outstanding 2022 in 50-over cricket, scoring 679 runs at an average of 84.87 in nine games, including three hundreds and five fifties.

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Pakistan vs New Zealand. Image Credits: PCB

New Zealand Is One Of The Best Limited-Overs Teams – Babar Azam

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the first ODI, Babar Azam said that his job as a cricketer is to play the game and win matches for Pakistan, not to impress anyone. The Pakistan captain said that the team is wary of the Kiwis and that the management is committed to improving the team.

“My job is to play cricket and enjoy. I know my game, my responsibility as a batsman and a captain, so I don’t have to please anyone and my aim is to win matches for Pakistan. We will try to switch off from Test and continue our good form and carry our momentum in white-ball cricket,” Babar Azam said.

“New Zealand has got a good combination and is one of the best limited-overs teams. The captain, coach, and chief selector are on the same page because that’s important for the betterment of the team. We conveyed our opinion to the chief selector on the selection of players,” he added.

Pakistan must win all three matches of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand to guarantee their place in next year’s 50-over World Cup. A 3-0 win over New Zealand will take Pakistan to the top of the ICC ODI rankings. The Men in Green are now in fifth place with 107 rating points, while New Zealand is in first place with 116.

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