Wasim Akram advised Babar Azam and associates in order to get to the semifinals. Wasim Akram, the former captain of Pakistan, had a humorous theory on how Babar Azam and company may still make it to the semifinals.
Pakistan is almost eliminated from the semifinals following New Zealand’s five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday. In their last league game, Pakistan and England will square off on Saturday at Eden Gardens.
“It is still possible mathematically,” Wasim Akram jokes on A Sports.
Akram suggested that Pakistan bat first against England in order to get runs, then lock the England squad in the changing room and time them out.
“Lock them after the toss only,” remarked Misbah-ul-Haq, a fellow panelist with Wasim Akram.
Currently, Pakistan must bowl England out for 13 if they bat first and score 300 in order for Babar Azam and company to go to the semifinals. Pakistan will need about 2.3 overs to chase 50 if they bowl first and dismiss England for 50.
The current NRR for Pakistan is 0.036, while the corresponding value for Afghanistan is -0.338.
A major upset would be Afghanistan defeating South Africa, who advanced to the semifinals despite being well outclassed by India in their previous meeting.
Although it is conceivable that Pakistan would defeat the reigning champions, England still has the opportunity to qualify for the Champions Trophy.
