Men in Green must defeat defending champions by notable margin to progress to knockout stage
With Pakistan set to face England in what could be their last World Cup 2023 match, former pacer Mohammad Amir has expressed hope that Babar Azam's men can score 400 to 450 runs in their hopes of beating defending champions by a significant margin and secure progression to tournament's knockout stage.
The left-arm pacer —part of Pakistan's 2009 T20 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy triumphs — believes that by batting first the Men in Green could score big if the team's opener Fakhar Zaman batting clicks.
"This 400-450 runs scenario is a possibility. It is possible in cricket. If we score 400 and get them out for 112 runs. If Fakhar bats [like he did against New Zealand] then [it is possible]. But [all of this] is only possible if we bat first," he said while speaking onGeo News' programme "Haarna Mana Hay".
It must be noted that New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the 41st match of the World Cup at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India, on November 9.
The Kiwis' crucial win has made Pakistan's path to the World Cup semi-finals — which was already difficult — nearly impossible as they require a massive win over England in their last match in Kolkata on November 11.
If Pakistan bat first against England, they would have to beat them by 287 runs.
If Pakistan bowls first, they would have to chase down the target with 284 balls to spare, which means in just 2.4 overs.
India, South Africa, and Australia have already booked their place in the mega event's semi-final and as of now three teams, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, are fighting for the one vacant position.
For now, the Black Caps seem to be in a dominating position to qualify and they are followed by Pakistan while Afghanistan's position is the weakest courtesy of their negative net run rate (NRR).
November 11: Australia vs Bangladesh at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune.
November 11: England vs Pakistan at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
November 12: India vs Netherlands at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
November 15: Semi-final 1 — First place vs fourth place at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
November 16: Semi-final 2 — Second place vs third place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
November 19: Final — Winner of Semi-final 1 vs winner of Semi-final 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.