Imam confident Pakistan will bounce back after Champions Trophy setback

WEB DESK: Pakistan team opener Imam-ul-Haq expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rebound from recent performances, stressing that the national squad was prepared to turn around its fortunes in upcoming matches.

Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s next ODI series, the left-handed batsman said: “The team is in good shape – we’ve been training hard and our form is improving. While sometimes we take time to pick up the pace, we are eventually able to score the required runs.“

The 28-year-old highlighted the team’s resilience and said that the ODI players have proven time and again with their ‘comeback ability’: “The squad members have a history of winning crucial matches for Pakistan.”

Imam-ul-Haq to replace Fakhar Zaman on Pakistan CT Squad

He added that owing to intensive coaching efforts, bowling will also improve considerably. Addressing selection pressures, Imam felt that it should be taken as an opportunity instead of a setback: “When you’re left out, it becomes a learning opportunity. Domestic cricket always helps players develop.” 

He added the team remained focused on its core mission: “We always play to win for Pakistan.”

With two new pacers in the squad, Imam acknowledged “conditions may vary“ and felt optimistic about team’s performance tomorrow against New Zealand.