Arthur calls on divine intervention to save Pakistan's World Cup campaign

With Zaman back from a knee injury, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh and New Zealand in back-to-back games to rekindle their campaign. Against the Kiwis, Zaman struck a scorching 81 off 81 balls without conceding a single wicket.

Pakistan, who have eight points from as many games, will need to win their final game against England on Saturday in Kolkata. They also need to hope that New Zealand loses against Sri Lanka two days earlier in Bengaluru or that the match is called off.

Afghanistan may also defeat Pakistan based on the outcomes of their last two games.

"It's hard to predict how we will perform in this competition," remarked Arthur, who took over as Pakistan's manager for a second time between 2016 and 2019.

"I really think we're going to make it to the semifinals, but we'll have to wait and see. We do know that by Saturday, it will be in our possession.

"We can make it to the semifinals with a little bit of divine intervention, but we still need to play well. I believe we only ever played the perfect game once, against Bangladesh."

If Pakistan does make it to the final, they'll probably set up a tantalizing matchup with bitter rivals India in Kolkata on November 16 in order to advance.

Arthur praised Zaman's game-winning performances.

The 33-year-old left-hander Fakhar has been "just unbelievable" since joining the team, according to Arthur.

"Outstanding" Zaman

"In campaigns such as this one, it sometimes takes something to merely light the spark, and Fakhar definitely did that for us.

"We are aware that he is remarkable when performing well. Fakhar has always had my utmost support because I believe he has the ability to alter games."

In an attempt to defeat New Zealand, which had been lowered from a difficult 402-run target to 342 in 41 overs due to rain, Zaman got his team up to 200-1 before the match was abandoned with Pakistan 21 runs ahead of the DLS system.

In his 11th ODI hundred, Zaman struck eight boundaries and eleven sixes—his first century in two World Cups.

It goes without saying that Fakhar entering the side gave us new life. ItIt goes without saying that Fakhar entering the side gave us new life. It was difficult at first to be without him. His performance was a touch inconsistent going into the tournament."

Before being benched, Zaman scored just 65 runs in four Asia Cup games and 12 World Cup matches against the Netherlands.

He was forced to retire from last year's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia due to a recurrence of a knee issue.

"He (Zaman) changes games whenever he bats, the longer he bats the more dominant we become," Arthur stated.

"So, it is really important for us that we keep Fakhar in this type of form and it's really important that he takes this form and aggression and precision with his batting into the game against England."

Despite the fact that the reigning champions have lost six of their last seven games, Arthur stated his squad must play at its highest level against England.

"Let's hope we are saving ourselves for a batting, bowling and fielding performance against England and then what will be, will be."

from Latest Sports News & Updates | The Express More details