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Led by the formidable Babar Azam, Pakistan will be one of the potent force in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Green, under Azam’s astute leadership, have showcased commendable performances in the preceding editions of the tournament, although falling short of ultimate glory.
Pakistan’s redemption quest in ICC T20 World Cup 2024
In 2021, Pakistan surged into the semifinals, only to face a stunning defeat at the hands of eventual champions Australia. Their resilience persisted in 2022, securing a berth in the final for the first time since 2009, yet succumbing to England in the title showdown. With eyes set on redemption, Pakistan will determined to surpass previous achievements and etch their name in history as the third team, alongside West Indies and England, to clinch the prestigious trophy twice.
Virat Kohli: Pakistan’s perennial nemesis
Pakistan will aim to kick off their campaign with a robust start to gather momentum, but they face a formidable obstacle in the form of Indian stalwart Virat Kohli. Renowned as Pakistan’s perennial nemesis in ICC tournaments over the past decade, Kohli stands as a formidable threat to their aspirations. With a penchant for delivering memorable performances against Pakistan, the former Indian skipper poses a significant challenge for the Men in Green and would be eyeing another memorable knock against them this year.
Kohli boasted an impressive track record against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, having amassed 308 runs in five encounters at a staggering average of 308. His remarkable consistency is underscored by three half-centuries scored against the Men in Green in the tournament. In the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricketing history with a breathtaking unbeaten knock of 82 runs, propelling India to a sensational victory over Pakistan.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 Complete Schedule: Teams, Groups, Dates, Match Timings & Venues
Babar Azam’s approach to facing Kohli
Pakistan will be facing Kohli when they lock horns against India on June 9. Ahead of the World Cup clash, in a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s tour of Ireland, Babar was asked whether Pakistan are planning specifically for Kohli ahead of their T20 World Cup.
In reply Babar emphasized that Pakistan doesn’t tailor their plans around individual players. Nonetheless, he acknowledged Kohli’s prowess as one of the best in the game and assured that the team would have strategies in place to counter him effectively. Azam also highlighted the unfamiliarity of conditions in the USA, emphasizing the need for adaptability and preparation for the unique challenges posed by the tournament setting
“As a team, you always plan against different teams and according to their strengths. We don’t plan anything against only one player. We plan for all eleven players. We don’t know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well,” Babar said.
Before leaving for the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will be visiting Ireland and England for two T20I assignments. They will play three T20Is against Ireland and four against England before the marquee event in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).
