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Friday, July 19, 2024

‘Pakistan needs miracle to qualify for semi-finals’, says Sarfaraz Ahmed

Only a miracle can help Pakistan reach semi-finals. Pakistan's captain Sarfraz Ahmed is hopeful and says that Pakistani team will score 500 in match against Bangladesh. Claims seem laughable but Pakistan is known for its unpredictability.

News Desk |

With dwindled hopes, skipper Sarfraz and the entire nation awaits a miracle for Pakistan cricket team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup instead of New Zealand.

Sarfraz Ahmed is determined to give it their all in their last group match to clinch a next-to-impossible win of 315 runs over Bangladesh today on Friday. Pakistan needs to beat Bangladesh with 315 runs to qualify for semi-finals on NRR basis.

Pakistan can only qualify if it wins the toss, bat first and set a total of 400-500 runs for Bangladesh; batting in the second innings regardless of the result of the game will be futile for Pakistan.

“We will do our best to end on a high,” wicketkeeper Sarfaraz said. “It is very difficult, 316 runs is a big margin. Only if you’re batting first, if you score 600 runs or 500 runs [might it be possible].

Pakistan has lost its past four one-day internationals against Bangladesh. Defending champions Australia, India, and England have all secured qualification.

“If you look at the tournament then, realistically, the tournament is of 280-300 totals.

“We will do our best to win the last game as well to end on a high and we will do our best to achieve that but we need to be realistic, but if Allah helps then miracles can happen.”

“It’s like you score 600, 500, 400 on a pitch then you think you can get the other team out for 50 and then win by a 316-run margin. If you think realistically, then we can only try.

“But the first real thing will be to win the match.”

Pakistan had lost its three of nine group matches against West Indies, Australia, and India before bouncing and registering three consecutive wins against New Zealand, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

Read more: Pakistan’s heart rate and Team Run Rate: Both failing

Pakistan had filed a shocking win against England in league matches. Pakistan has lost its past four one-day internationals against Bangladesh. Defending champions Australia, India, and England have all secured qualification.