Amir pins hopes on Fakhar to achieve 450-plus total for Pakistan against England

Former pacer, Mohammad Amir, is pinning his hopes on Fakhar Zaman to help Pakistan attain a total of 450 runs against England in their upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 pool match in Kolkata.

The Men in Green are currently ranked fifth in the 2023 World Cup points table with eight points and a net run rate of +0.036 and in order to reach the semi-final round of the mega-event, they will have to beat England by around 287 runs while batting first or by about 284 balls to spare while chasing the target.

While speaking on a local TV show, Amir expressed optimism about the possibility of achieving a score between 400 and 450 runs, emphasizing that such scenarios are achievable in cricket. However, Amir acknowledged that these aspirations hinge on Pakistan batting first in the match.

"This 400-450 runs scenario is a possibility. It is possible in cricket. If we score 400 and get them out for 112 runs. If Fakhar bats [like he did against New Zealand] then [it is possible]. But [all of this] is only possible if we bat first," Amir said.

While speaking in the pre-match presser on Friday, Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure a victory and emphasized the importance of a strategic approach.

"We have planned regarding net run-rate against England. However, we cannot start blind slogging from ball one. We have planned how to play the first 10 overs and what to do after that. If Fakhar Zaman plays for 20-30 overs, we can achieve what’s required,” Babar said.