Aaqib Javed confident in Pakistan's ODI squad despite setbacks

Pakistan's interim head coach, Aaqib Javed, has expressed confidence in the performance of Pakistan's One-Day International (ODI) team, despite some setbacks in recent Champions Trophy. 

Although the team faced a few unwanted results in the Champions Trophy and Fakhar Zaman's injury during the New Zealand series, Javed believes the squad remains well-balanced and capable of delivering strong performances.

Speaking to the media in Napier, New Zealand, Javed highlighted Fakhar Zaman's crucial role in the team, acknowledging that his injury against New Zealand and the challenges faced in the Champions Trophy impacted Pakistan's results. 

"Fakhar Zaman is an important player for us; his presence is necessary for the team's success," Javed stated. 

He further mentioned that Pakistan was in a strong position against India in the Champions Trophy match. 

Javed also reflected on the difficulties faced by the team during the Champions Trophy, particularly due to the flat pitches that offered little support to the bowlers. Those conditions led to high-scoring games, which made it challenging for Pakistan’s batters, whose technique is better suited to pitches offering more assistance. However, Javed expressed optimism, noting that with Fakhar Zaman's return and the addition of new talent from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the team would improve moving forward.

The head coach also spoke highly of Pakistan's ODI squad, describing it as well-balanced and in good form. 

"We’ve made some changes to the T20 squad as we focus on building a new team for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup, both of which will be played in Asian conditions," he said. 

Javed emphasized that the ODI team’s solid foundation would continue to yield positive results.

Javed also turned his attention to Pakistan’s fast bowlers, especially Haris Rauf, whose performance in the tours of Australia and South Africa has shown the his potential in conditions similar to New Zealand. 

He believes that pitches offering assistance to fast bowlers will be crucial, and Javed thinks Rauf’s role will be pivotal in New Zealand, where the team aims to keep the opposition's score under 200.

With experienced batters like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the lineup, Javed is confident that the team’s batting strength will complement the bowlers' efforts. 

"We have a solid batting lineup, and we expect good results in the ODI series," he concluded.

Pakistan will play the first ODI of the series against New Zealand tomorrow, March 29, in Napier.