CHENNAI: Abdullah Shafique, the opening batsman for Pakistan, maintains a positive outlook despite Pakistan’s three consecutive defeats in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. While talking to reporters, Shafique expressed his confidence in the Pakistani team’s ability to make a strong comeback in the tournament.
“The World Cup is not over; the Pakistan team has a chance to go ahead. Our focus is on the next matches to play well and move forward,” Shafique stated.
He emphasized the importance of team performance over individual achievements, saying, “Cricket is a team game, and I do not think about personal milestones. I neither think nor desire a century.”
Shafique acknowledged that facing South Africa in an upcoming match would be a challenge. He also expressed optimism about the ability of the Pakistani cricket team to bounce back, saying,
“South Africa is playing well, and it will be a challenge. We haven’t played our best game. Each day presents a unique opportunity, and the result against South Africa will also be good.”
Abdullah Shafique has been in excellent form since replacing Fakhar Zaman in a match against Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old right-handed batsman has scored 255 runs, featuring two half-centuries and a century. His performance has been a bright spot for Pakistan in the tournament, and he is expected to play a crucial role in their upcoming matches.
Despite the initial setbacks, Shafique’s confidence in the team’s potential to perform well in the tournament remains unwavering, and he and his teammates are determined to make a strong showing in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023.
Pakistan’s remaining ICC World Cup 2023 matches
27 October – vs South Africa in Chennai
31 October – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
4 November – vs New Zealand in Bengaluru
11 November – vs England in Kolkata
Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023
- Babar Azam (c),
- Fakhar Zaman,
- Imam-ul-Haq,
- Abdullah Shafique,
- Iftikhar Ahmed,
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk),
- Shadab Khan,
- Mohammad Nawaz,
- Usama Mir,
- Hasan Ali,
- Haris Rauf,
- M Wasim Jnr
- Shaheen Shah Afridi,
- Saud Shakeel,
- Salman Ali Agha.
