Pakistan cricket captain and master stroke-maker Babar Azam hit questions regarding the spineless performance of the Pakistani middle-order batters.
Babar Azam was quizzed in Melbourne over the same ahead of the mega-clash with India during the pre-match press conference, and it will be safe to conclude that the questions irked Babar.
A reporter, referring to the comments made by former cricketers, asked Babar Azam about his opinion regarding remarks that his and Rizwan's early dismissals would be decisive to the outcome of the match. “Aap aur Rizwan, ye dono hi batsmen hai. Baaki ko itna kaamyaabi nahi hai. Agar aap dono ko out kar dein, toh India match jeet jaaye ga. It isn't coming from media, it's coming from ex-cricketers (You only have yourself and Rizwan. Rest haven't been as successful. If you both get out early, India can win. This isn't coming from India, it's coming from ex-cricketers),” the reporter asked Babar.
The Pakistani captain, in response, passed out a chuckle before responding in a rather blunt manner.
“Dekhein sir, ye toh on the day pata lagega. You never know, T20 hai aur on the day, koi bhi player surprise kar sakta hai. Koi bhi player match jita sakta hai, aur hamaare player pe mujhko poora belief hai. Middle-order pe logon ne match jitaaye hue hain. Main, as a captain, unn par believe karta hun. Kuch bhi ho sakta hai, har cheez ke liye ready rehna chahiye. (See, we will find it out during the match. You never know, it's T20 and any player can surprise you. Anyone can win you a match, and I believe in my players. Our middle-order has won us matches. Anything can happen, and you have to be prepared for everything),” Babar said.
Ramiz Raja reveals his last-minute conversation with Babar
Ahead of the start of Pakistan's campaign in Australia, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja, in a TV interview, revealed what he told Babar Azam.
“I have told captain Babar Azam to only dream about winning T20 World Cup. I have asked Babar Azam there should be kept no other option in mind other than bringing the trophy of T20 World Cup back home,” he said.
"World Cup is a mind game. It is a task of not losing courage and a fulfilment of a dream — which is to win a World Cup," he added.
“The other team can also play well some day or the weather might play a role [in the match]. But fans must support the team, as it is the best to have been sent to [play] the field.”
Ramiz also shared some tips with Babar on how to tackle Australian conditions.
Back in 1992, Pakistan had scripted a World Cup win on Australian soil and Ramiz was part of that team.
"In Pakistan, players get the time to play shots, but that's not the case in Australia," he said.