Pakistan advanced to the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia after defeating New Zealand by seven wickets in the semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Wednesday, November 9. The Babar Azam-led team qualified for their first T20 World Cup final since 2009 at Lord’s, where they defeated Sri Lanka.
Pakistan had a very low chance of reaching the semi-finals following their losses to India and Zimbabwe, but they managed to win over the Netherlands, South Africa, and Bangladesh. The Men in Green made the most of the opportunity after South Africa’s shock defeat against the Netherlands.
Your Technique Cannot Improve Or Decay In The Next 24 Hours – Ramiz Raja
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja stated that he tried to motivate the cricketers ahead of the final by delivering the same message that Imran Khan gave to the national squad that won the 1992 World Cup 30 years ago.
“That was the shortest speech. Because what you are supposed to do has been done. Your technique cannot improve or decay in the next 24 hours. It is a mental game now. I exactly repeated the words that our captain Imran Khan said to us at that time,” Raja was quoted as saying to the reporters.
“Boys are relaxed. They are playing tennis ball cricket inside, bowling bouncers to each and having chit-chats. So they look relaxed and that is how they should be,” he stated.
Babar Azam Has The Opportunity To Achieve Greatness – Ramiz Raja
Pakistan lost to India in the inaugural T20 World Cup final in 2007. Two years later, they beat Sri Lanka to lift their maiden trophy and have since lost in the semifinals in 2010, 2012, and 2021. Raja stated that Babar Azam has a great opportunity to make a name for himself by helping Pakistan win their second T20 World Cup title.
“I’ve just told him (Babar) that he has the opportunity right now to achieve greatness and leave behind a legacy. If he lifts the World Cup, nothing could be bigger than that in his career,” Raja added.
Pakistan will take on England in the final on Sunday, November 13 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Also read: T20 World Cup Final 2022: “Buttler Aur Hales Ne Bilkul Outstanding Performance Di Hai, Lekin Hamaari Bowling India Ki Performance Se Bohot Better Hain” – Pakistan Former Skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq