Pakistan’s morale is “high” following last month’s victory over India, according to veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik, ahead of this week’s Twenty20 World Cup match against Namibia in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan has won three games in a row, beginning with a ten-wicket victory over archrival India, followed by victories over New Zealand and Afghanistan.
“Morale is high in the camp,” veteran allrounder Shoaib Malik says.
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They need another win to advance to the Super 12 semi-finals from Group 2.
“The morale in the camp is high,” said Malik, 39, prior to Tuesday’s meeting.
“When you win games, the confidence level in the locker room skyrockets.” “Everyone is looking forward to playing the remaining games in the tournament.” When you start your tournament against a big team (India) and win that game, everything falls into place in your dressing room.”
Malik, whose tennis star wife Sania Mirza is Indian, refused to comment on their arch-poor rival’s performance in the event, saying, “We are focused on our own performance and not looking around.”
Malik praised the setup’s intensity.
“Obviously, the goal when you start the tournament is to give your best shot as a team,” he explained.
“But, since I’ve joined the team, I’ve seen Pakistan teams practice sessions and the way they’ve dealt with pressure from the rest of the world until now, it’s been exceptional,” he added.
Pakistan has never played Namibia in a Twenty20 international, but they won the only one-day international (ODI) between the two sides in the 2003 World Cup (50 overs) by a 171-run margin in South Africa.
Namibia, who qualified from the first round and defeated Scotland, will not be taken lightly, according to Malik.
“To be honest, we’re not thinking any differently because the T20 format is one where you can’t afford to take the opposition lightly,” he said.
“And we’re fully confident, so we’re excited about the game.”
Pakistan has used the same eleven in all three games, but with a relatively easy opponent, ranked 15th in the world in the format, they may be able to rotate their lineup.
Malik admitted that bio-secure confinement for players in the Covid-19 restriction is difficult.
“Bubble life is a difficult thing, especially when you’re playing a lot of back-to-back series,” he admitted.
“And living in a bubble is not an easy thing to do.” But the good news is that our families are here to support us. We’ve spent a lot of time together as a family and as teammates. As a result, it’s a good thing.
“However, if you want to achieve something in life, you have to put in the hard work, and that is something we are aware of.” And we’re only concerned with this tournament. And some have begun to enjoy the bubble lifestyle as well.”
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