Kamran Akmal urges Babar Azam to step up as a key player for Pakistan against India

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Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has shared crucial advice for Pakistani batters ahead of Pakistan-India clash. The match, set to be held today at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, is a must-win for Pakistan to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kamran Akmal, a key player in Pakistan's 2009 T20 World Cup victory, emphasized the importance of adapting to New York's unique playing conditions.

“The conditions in New York are different, so we have to play accordingly. If you are mentally strong, solid technique-wise, have the temperament and shot selection is cricketing, then you can score runs," Akmal said.

Akmal pointed out that while Pakistan often relies heavily on their captain, Babar Azam, it is crucial for him to step up as well.

"The Pakistan team will be dependent on Babar [Azam] heavily and he should step up too because in Pakistan’s team, there is only one player who can take the game [deep] by securing one end and forming a partnership," he further added.

Akmal advised that aiming for a score of 140 or 150 would be realistic and sufficient in the given conditions, as long as the team bats for the full 20 overs. He suggested that Pakistani batters should avoid trying to hit big shots early on, as they did in their previous game against the USA, where they faltered.

“Don’t think that you need to score 170 or 180 here, just think that we have to play 20 overs here. If we manage to score 140 or 150, it will get easier for the Pakistan team to win the match. You will not be able to play those shots in the early overs that you tried to play against the USA," Akmal said.

Akmal underscored the significance of the match against India, stating that a win would boost Pakistan's chances of advancing to the Super Eight stage. A loss, however, would be a severe blow to their World Cup campaign.

"The match is important because if we win this match, we will be able to qualify for Super Eight and if we lose, then this World Cup will lose its charm if Pakistan is no longer here," he further added.

Akmal urged the players to have confidence in their abilities and take responsibility on the field. Akmal also called on the team management to provide a strong game plan and for the middle-order batsmen to step up and deliver.

“So, the players have to keep believing in themselves. The management needs to give a great game plan, bowlers will have to deliver with the ball. The middle-order needs to score runs, we cannot depend on one player. No doubt, Babar is the number one batter in the world, but if he gets out, the coming batter should take responsibility [to score runs]," he concluded.