RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam said on Friday that his entire focus has always been to win matches for the country rather than making efforts to achieve personal landmarks. Pakistan goes into the second One-Day International against New Zealand today (Saturday) with high spirits following an emphatic victory in the five-match series opener.
Setting priorities for wins for the country has been his primary objective, the Pakistani batting star and all-format captain stated in an exclusive interview with “The News” before of the second ODI.
“I have never focused on reaching specific objectives. My main objective has always been to perform effectively for the team and give performances that help my team win matches. Playing with this goal helps you reach milestones along the road. Giving powerful performances should always be the goal. When asked about his joy at becoming the quickest hitter to 12,000 runs in international cricket, he replied, “These milestones and records are results of this way of thinking.
“I don’t have any personal goals. I want to work hard for the success of the nation. I want to win the day for the team and the nation every time I step up to the wicket. I’ve never focused on breaking one record over another.
Performance means getting these items. But winning matches and tournaments for the country and making my performance have significance have always been my main targets, he said.
In response to a question regarding Fakhar Zaman’s praise of his and Mohammad Rizwan’s achievements to the country as a whole, he noted that his remarks were a case of true teamwork.
“What Fakhar stated is typical of the way we operate as a team. We support and motivate one another. We spend a lot more time together than we do with our families, so it’s important that you encourage your teammates and celebrate each other’s successes if you want to form a strong team.
In a bid to provide the best outcomes for the team and the nation, we support one another, he stated.
Babar declined to comment on Shan Masood’s terrible performance in ODI cricket, where he has scored 112 runs in seven games with a dismal average of 16 runs per innings.
He said, “I would like to hold the cards closer to my chest at this moment.
