Sahibzada Farhan on the Upcoming Match Against India
Interviewer: How was the pitch during your last game, and were the 190 runs a challenge for the USA?
Sahibzada Farhan: The pitch was excellent. Scoring 190 runs on it was quite an achievement. In recent months, we’ve often reached scores of 190-200 comfortably, thanks to our hard work. After our first over, I advised Saim to take advantage of the field placements, as I did. Achieving 190 on this pitch was great.
Interviewer: This is the first time a Pakistani team has won two matches in Pool A, and the future looks promising for the Super 8. What’s the team’s mindset going into the crucial match on the 15th?
Sahibzada Farhan: Winning two games gives us confidence, and we’re feeling good. This upcoming match isn’t daunting. We’ve faced them before and have a fresh approach this time. You’ve seen how we’ve fought through tough moments, with players like Shadab and Nawaz contributing runs. We hope the fans enjoy our performance against them.
Interviewer: You dominated the powerplay with some big hits. What’s your strategy for the middle overs? And are you looking up to any global batsmen for inspiration?
Sahibzada Farhan: Yes, as an opener, making runs in the powerplay is essential. If we maximize that, it puts pressure on the opposing team. Both Sam and I have the same goal: to score over 60 runs in the powerplay, just as we did previously. I also ask Babar for advice on taking innings to the next level, hoping to convert those scores even higher in the future.
Interviewer: The next match against India is significant. With the recent discussions suggesting a shift in balance, do you have a message for India?
Sahibzada Farhan: I’d say that during the last Asia Cup, we didn’t have a one-sided game. We fought hard and stayed competitive until the end. We’re looking forward to putting on a good show this time as well.
Interviewer: You’ve performed well in previous matches. Do you think this pitch was good for batting? Are you planning to replicate your earlier performances against India?
Sahibzada Farhan: The pitch was favorable, but their bowling was also strong, so scoring runs required aggressive play. Both Sam and I have similar roles in the team, and we’re prepping for the challenge ahead. We expect a good match.
Interviewer: You’ve had successful innings against India in the past. How does that experience boost your confidence for the upcoming game?
Sahibzada Farhan: Making runs definitely builds confidence. Given my recent performances, I feel ready. We’ll treat the match as a regular game and not let the ‘India-Pakistan’ label weigh us down. We’re focused on playing our best.
