Former cricketer Kamran Akmal, who played a key role in Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup victory, recently shared some valuable advice with the Pakistani team ahead of their match against India in the 2024 tournament. He emphasized the importance of adjusting their batting strategy to suit the conditions in New York.
“In New York, the playing conditions are quite different, so we need to adapt accordingly,” Akmal explained in a video on his YouTube channel. “To score runs, it’s crucial to be mentally strong, have a solid technique, the right temperament, and make wise shot selections.”
Akmal highlighted the significant role Babar Azam plays in the team’s performance, stressing the need for him to lead by example. He also suggested that a target of 140-150 runs should suffice on the New York pitch, but emphasized the importance of batting through the full 20 overs and not relying solely on a couple of players.
“It’s not about aiming for 170 or 180 runs here; it’s about completing our 20 overs,” he advised. “Scoring 140-150 runs will put us in a good position to win. We must remember not to attempt risky shots early in the innings, like we did against the USA.”
Akmal underscored the significance of winning the match to qualify for the Super Eight stage and urged the players to maintain self-belief. He emphasized the need for a solid game plan from the management, effective bowling performances, and contributions from the middle-order batsmen, stating that the team cannot rely solely on Babar Azam.
“While Babar is undoubtedly a top-class batsman, other players need to step up if he gets out,” Akmal concluded. “Every player should take responsibility for scoring runs and contributing to the team’s success.”
