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Published 14 Oct, 2021 02:13pm

Babar Azam expresses confidence in winning T20 World Cup

As the ICC Men's Twenty20 World Cup 2021 scheduled to begin from October 17 in the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan's captain Babar Azam expressed full confidence in winning the series.

"We have gained confidence from domestic cricket matches ahead of the ICC series and we are prepared for good performance in the T20 matches," said Azam in a virtual press conference ahead of the team's departure to the UAE on Wednesday.

Azam is set to play his first ICC Men's T20 World Cup, and will make his debut as captain, according to an ICC report. Babar has, so far, led Pakistan in 28 matches, winning 15 of those encounters.

"I am proud of being captain of the team," said Azam.

In response to a question about the team's first match with India, Azam said: "As a group and team, we have high confidence and belief. And I have full confidence that we will play good cricket against India."

He noted the first match is always important in gaining confidence for the team.

Pakistan will play its first match against India on October 24, while the team's second match against New Zealand is scheduled on October 26.

Both the matches are important for the team as India is an arch rival of Pakistan in the cricket, while the Black Caps had called off Pakistan's tour last month few hours before the international series was about to start in Rawalpindi.

The Pakistan have senior players in the team, including Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik.

Talking about the importance of the senior players, Azam said they have played Champions Trophy and World Cup matches therefore their presence will matter in dressing room and juniors will learn from their experience.

Azam revealed he and Mohammad Rizwan will play on opening positions in the match, according to the plan. However, the final decision will be taken after reaching the UAE.

He noted that so far Pakistan had played cricket in UAE three to four years and the team knew about the conditions of batting and bowling in grounds of the Gulf State.

Pakistan will play their warm-up matches against West Indies on 18 October and South Africa on 20 October in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively.

The T20 World Cup matches will continue from October 17 to November 14.

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