The target is sky high for Pakistan before they take on England at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. But as cricket is a game of great uncertainty, captain Babar Azam is not losing hope yet. His bet is a teammate.

If a team is given a target of at least 287 runs to reach the semi-finals, what else can be said about it but impossible? Especially if the opponent is England. That is the target for Pakistan before they take on England at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. But as cricket is a game of great uncertainty, captain Babar Azam is not losing hope yet. Betting on a teammate. According to him, it is still possible for Pakistan to reach the semi-finals.

Surprisingly, Pakistan had to face such an equation in the last World Cup as well. In the last match in 2019, Bangladesh should have lost by 316 runs. Far from winning, Pakistan could not score so many runs. 315-9 take them. Despite winning by 94 runs, there was no gain. What will happen this time?

“We believe we can do it,” replied Babar, sitting in Eden on Friday afternoon. I will try to implement my plan. Don’t go to the field and make a fuss. How to play the first 10 overs and the next 20 overs should be planned. Pairing, who should be at the crease should be taken first.”

Babar bet on a teammate. He is Fakhr Zaman. Who played an innings of 87 runs against Bangladesh at Eden. In the previous match against New Zealand, he not only scored an unbeaten 126 runs from 81 balls, but also won the team by DLS rules. Babar said about him, “If Fakhar can bat 20-30 overs, then I can score big runs.” After that there are (Mohammed) Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed. We can only try. That’s the plan.”

Pakistan will have to bat first on Saturday. Because winning by run margin is more useful in improving run rate. Babur is not keeping so many calculations in mind. He said, “There is still one match left. Can’t say anything in advance. We had to pay the price for the loss against South Africa. Should have won that match. That is why I am here today.”