'Time To Back Players..', Imam-Ul-Haq Urges Fans To Support Pakistan

image-lo2hsf1dImam-ul-Haq in action [AP]

Pakistan opener Imam-Ul-Haq called for support from fans and players within the dressing room as the Asian giants strive to recover from consecutive losses in the ICC World Cup 2023. As Pakistan gear-up for their near must-win fixture against Afghanistan in Chennai on Monday (October 23), Imam urged the team to stick together and focus on the job at hand. 

Pakistan made a start on expected lines by defeating the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Still, their underperforming unit was woefully exposed in losses to India and Australia, which have left them with little scope for mistakes. Babar Azam's men must overcome the Afghans in a tricky encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to keep their semifinal hopes alive. 

Pakistan have failed miserably at their historic strength - pace bowling - and consequently faced extensive pressure as a batting unit. Two of their biggest match-winners, Shaheen Afridi and Babar, haven't been as impactful in their respective skill and that has meant extra load on the shoulders of the rest of the pack. 

Imam Urges Pakistan To Stick Together 

The defeat against the Australians is a testament to it. Shaheen's inability to strike early allowed centurions David Warner and Mitchell Marsh to set themselves up for a long haul, while Babar's poor failure in the middle-order took the sting out of Pakistan's run-chase.

"Our start was very good in the last two matches," Imam told the press after he, alongside fellow opener Abdullah Shafique, struck half-centuries during a 134-run partnership before the rest of the line-up collapsed for next 171 runs in a chase of 368.

"Our run rate was good in the first 20 to 25 overs. And we suddenly collapsed. We talked about that. It's just that this is the time to back players. We discussed what we can change and what we can improve," he added.

Imam admitted Pakistan's problems in both departments of the game but also affirmed there can't be drastic changes made during the World Cup campaign. The opener said players can only try to work harder in practice sessions and try to resolve chinks in their armoury. 

"It's just that I don't believe that now we have a chance to do any kind of more practice. It's just we are on the tournament and it's just about the top up," Imam said. 

"We don't have that much time.. but the thing is it's just that - yes, this is a spin venue ground and we know that and the guys individually really depends how they practice and it's just that every individual has their own preparations and we really back them, we really back their ability and it's just that's how it is," he concluded.

Pakistan are placed fifth in the points table and will take on Afghanistan in Chennai today.