T20 World Cup: Pakistan players asked to ‘keep feet on the ground’

The Pakistan squad has been asked, by the team management, to keep feet on the ground and avoid getting complacent after a dream start to the ongoing T20 World Cup, according to sources.

The Men in Green defeated India and New Zealand in their first two matches and have one foot in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Pakistan team have the momentum on their side, however they don’t want to get carried away ahead of their next match against Afghanistan — who are a dangerous side.

Afghanistan have quality spinners in the shape of Rashid Khan and Mujeebur Rahman, along with power-hitters like Hazratullah Zazai and Najibullah Zadran, who could pose trouble for Pakistan team.  

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Afghanistan’s first match against Scotland, which the Mohammad Nabi-led unit won by a massive margin of 130 runs, was played in spin-friendly conditions of Sharjah but their match against Pakistan is in Dubai, which is comparatively less conducive for spinners and might have an impact on the outcome of the match.

Pakistan team is unlikely to make any changes for the game against Afghanistan, however some of the players might be rested for the remaining two games, against Namibia and Scotland, if needed.

Yesterday, six Pakistan players, with the others resting, participated in a two-hour training session at the ICC Academy Ground under the guidance of interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq. These players included Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Khushdil Shah, Haider Ali and Usman Qadir.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Hafeez took skipper Babar Azam and bowling consultant Vernon Philander for a game of golf, where they had a good time.