Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was impressed with Pakistan skipper Babar Azam‘s batting performances in the warm-up matches. Irfan Pathan emphasized Babar Azam’s outstanding form with the bat ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023 in India.
The Men in Green suffered two losses in the practice matches as part of their preparations for the marquee event. However, Babar batted brilliantly in the two matches in Hyderabad. He scored 80 runs against New Zealand, followed by a 90-run knock against Australia.
Openers Are Big Worry For Them – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan took to his official social media handle, X (formerly known as Twiter), to express concern about the Pakistani opening batters, citing their struggles during the Asia Cup. Pathan emphasized that the openers’ form is a significant worry for the team.
“Babar Azam looks solid for this World Cup. Nawaz is a big plus for Pakistan today. Openers are big worry for them,” Pathan wrote on X.
Imam ul Haq scored registered scores of 1 (10) and 16 (11) in the two practice matches. Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman also struggled to score runs in the two games.
The Babar Azam-led team will take on the Scott Edwards-led Netherlands in their first World Cup match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 6.
Looking Forward To See Josh Inglis – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan expressed his excitement about watching Josh Inglis in the World Cup, referring to him as an ‘exciting player.’ Pathan also emphasized the vital role Mitchell Starc will play for Australia in the tournament.
“For Australia, I’m looking forward to see Josh Inglis bat in that line up if he gets an opportunity. Exciting player,” Pathan further stated.
“Looking at their bowling set up, Starc’s bowling and bowling well at the crucial stages of the game will be utmost important for them,” he concluded.
Josh Inglis had a rough start to the World Cup preparations, recording a duck against the Netherlands. However, he bounced back with a score of 48 runs against Pakistan. Mitchell Starc picked up a hat-trick in the first match but remained wicketless in the next.
