(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The Pakistan cricket team is putting in strenuous efforts during their practice sessions at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens as they prepare for their crucial match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Their upcoming clash against the defending champions England is scheduled on the 11th of November.
While England may not have much at stake apart from securing qualification for the Champions Trophy 2025, the Men in Green have a lot riding on this match. A potential semi-final berth is within their reach, and if the Babar Azam-led side manages to qualify, they will face the host nation, India, in semi-final 2 on the 16th of November.
Babar has faced some challenges with his form lately. The elegant right-handed batter has managed to accumulated 282 runs in eight innings with an average of 40.28. However, the team is counting on him to rise to the occasion in the crucial match against England, and Babar is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations.
During the three-hour-long practice session on Wednesday, the 29-year-old focused extensively on countering England’s spinners, repeatedly practicing reverse sweeps in the nets.
The vice-captain of the Pakistan team Shadab Khan, who missed matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand due to a concussion, is expected to make a return.
As for speedster Haris Rauf, he appears fully ready to challenge England’s batting lineup with his pace. The 30-year-old fast-bowler from Rawalpindi has successfully recovered from his left rib injury.
The entire Pakistan team will be closely monitoring the match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on Thursday, 9th November. They will be hoping for the Lankan Tigers to defeat the Black Caps, as this would limit New Zealand’s points tally to only eight. If Pakistan secure a victory over England on Saturday, they can qualify for the semi-finals with 10 points. However, if New Zealand defeats Sri Lanka, Pakistan will still be in contention, and they will need to calculate the margin by which they must win against England.