Coach Arthur seeks ‘divine help’ for Pakistan to reach semi-finals

WEB DESK: Pakistan’s cricket team director, Mickey Arthur, expressed the need for “divine help” as Pakistan faces a formidable task to secure a spot in the World Cup semi-finals.

Pakistan has rekindled its campaign with consecutive victories over Bangladesh and New Zealand, notably due to Fakhar Zaman’s remarkable return from a knee injury. Zaman’s contributions included an impressive 81 and a blazing 81-ball 126 not out against New Zealand.

With eight points from eight games, Pakistan’s path to the semi-finals requires not only defeating England in their upcoming match in Kolkata but also banking on New Zealand’s loss to Sri Lanka in Bengaluru or the possibility of the match being washed out. Additionally, Afghanistan remains in contention based on the results of their last two matches.

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Mickey Arthur, currently in his second stint as Pakistan’s head coach, maintained a positive outlook, stating, “I have a real feeling we’re going to get to the semi-finals, but let’s see what happens. What we do know is that it will be in our hands come Saturday. With a little bit of divine help, we can reach the semi-final, but we must perform well.”

Should Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they could potentially set up a highly anticipated match against arch-rivals India in Kolkata on November 16 for a place in the final.

Arthur also commended the exceptional performances of Fakhar Zaman, saying, “Since Fakhar has come in, he has just been unbelievable. Sometimes in campaigns like this, it takes something to ignite it, and Fakhar certainly ignited that for us. We know when he plays well, he is exceptional. I have always been a massive supporter of Fakhar because I believe he can change games.”

In a challenging pursuit of a 402-run target to beat New Zealand (revised to 342 in 41 overs due to rain), Zaman led his team to 200-1 before the match was halted, with Pakistan 21 runs ahead according to the DLS system. Zaman’s remarkable innings featured 11 sixes and eight boundaries, marking his 11th ODI hundred and his first in two World Cups.

Arthur emphasised the significance of maintaining Zaman’s top form and his aggressive and precise batting in the upcoming game against England. Despite England’s challenging performance in the tournament, Arthur stressed the need for Pakistan to deliver their best in all aspects of the game.

“Let’s hope we are preparing for a top-notch performance in batting, bowling, and fielding against England, and then whatever happens, happens,” Arthur concluded.