Sarfaraz Ahmed leads the side in the ICC Champions Trophy final today against the defending champions, India, shouldering huge burden of expectations and responsibility.
It is seemingly an uncharted territory for the captain leading a side that had been written off even before the tournament started, but Sarfaraz might just be the missing link Pakistan needs to beat India.
Leading a side that had been written off even before the tournament started, but Sarfaraz might just be the missing link Pakistan needs to beat India
More than a decade ago, in 2006, Sarfaraz led a team of young men to Sri Lanka with one goal – to defend the U-19 World Cup title Pakistan had won in the previous tournament back in 2004.
His team rose to the occasion and qualified for the final to take on an impressive Indian side that had likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma in its squad.In a low-scoring match Pakistan held its nerves to overpower India and become the first back-to-back champions.
Fast bowler Anwar Ali took five wickets and earned the match-of-the-match honour.
He never lets the team’s morale down, and I am sure after losing the first game against India he would have made sure that the players stayed focused
“Sarfaraz’s captaincy during the U-19 World Cup was very impressive,” says Ali in a chat with Zeeshan Ahmed of SBS Urdu.
“He has what it takes to see the team through and I believe Pakistan will emerge victorious against India in the Champions Trophy final under Sarfaraz’s leadership.”
Sarfaraz has spoken time and again of adopting an aggressive approach – a trait gradually fading from Pakistan cricket – and a flash of brilliance from the captain exhibited off the field in the current tournament may trickle down to players ahead of the final.
Having lost to India in the opening encounter of the championship, Pakistan bounced back and defeated South Africa, Sri Lanka and England to set up this final.
“Sarfaraz inspires confidence,” says Ramiz Raja Jr, another player from the 2006 U-19 World Cup winning squad.
“He never lets the team’s morale down, and I am sure after losing the first game against India he would have made sure that the players stayed focused.”
This strong attitude is what Pakistan needs to psychologically dominate India and Sarfaraz’s ability to handle pressure is certainly an asset for the team.
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