Azhar Ali is the leading run-scorer for his team in this Champions Trophy. Brought back into the side to counter the English conditions, the 32-year-old has made two half-centuries and along with youngster Fakhar Zaman, has given Pakistan some solid starts during their improbable run to the Champions trophy final.
The opening batsman stepped down as ODI captain in February after Pakistan lost 1-4 to Australia in January this year. Thereafter, he was dropped from Pakistan’s tour of West Indies.
However, Ali has made a smashing come back with 169 runs at an average of 42.25 in four matches.
Ahead of the much awaited India-Pakistan final, former Pakistan captain speaks to The Quint’s Hemant Buch.
Q: When Pakistan began the tournament with the game against India, the team appeared to be a bundle of nerves. Did the magnitude of the occasion get the better of Pakistan?
A: I don’t think we were nervous going into the tournament. After all, we were ranked 8th in the world and had only just qualified for the tournament. Our aim was to just try and play to our potential and do the basics right. But perhaps when we began the match, some nerves did creep in. We couldn’t execute our skills and we weren’t able to gain any rhythm. Though there was no extra pressure of playing India, we did get affected by the pressure of the match situation. We were never able to gain any momentum and so we struggled in the opening game.
Q: How did you manage to turn things around so dramatically after such a crushing defeat?
A: Yes, it is true that after such a big defeat, doubts can creep and you could question your own abilities. But here, I must mention the captain, Sarfraz and the coaching staff, who held a meeting after the game and kept us motivated. After that, we had very little to lose. We decided to play with passion and intensity, no matter what the result. The bowlers really lifted themselves versus South Africa and bowled beautifully. South Africa have some of the best batsmen in the world and their start was not bad, but we soon pulled things back to get them all out for just 219. After that, we got our belief back. We knew now, that if we played to our potential, we could beat anybody. Again, I credit that team meeting for laying the groundwork for our resurgence.
Q: What did you do differently against South Africa, from the game against India?
A: It was all about lifting ourselves mentally and getting the belief and confidence back, Our bowlers had specific plans for each South African batsman. Imad Wasim came back strongly after a tough opening game and bowled superbly to the right handers, while Hasan Ali was magnificent in the middle overs with his reverse swing. That made all the difference.
Q: Usually, the middle-overs are the boring phase of ODIs, where batsmen consolidate and bowlers bowl containing lines. Nothing much happens and game is won by the team doing better at the start and end of each innings. This tournament has been totally different. The middle-overs have been where the games have been won or lost. Why do you think that has happened?
A: I don’t really know why that has happened, but if a team loses two or three wickets between the 15th and 35th overs, the batting team does not know what plan to follow. There is uncertainty about whether to go for the runs or just avoid losing more wickets. Usually, teams lose momentum. Also, all teams have match-winning batsmen who come in during the middle phase and play themselves in, before cutting loose. But if they get dismissed, the batting breaks down completely.
Q: After beating South Africa, you still had to beat Sri Lanka in a virtual quarter-final if you had to make the knock-out stage. That is, team Pakistan has played quite often. Did that make things easier?
A: We have played Sri Lanka quite often, I know, but this was a new team. They were in a similar situation to us, in that nobody rated their chances and they had been written off before the event began. But they too came back superbly to beat India with great ease in their previous game. They started well against us too, cruising at 160-odd for three and looking set for 300. But again, we took wickets in those crucial middle overs and that changed the game totally.
Q: The semi-final was expected to be a cakewalk for England, but Pakistan just blew them away. There were complaints about playing the game on a used pitch. How do you react to that?
A: Even we did not expect such an easy win against England. Everyone was saying they were the favourites and we were surprised it ended up so one-sided. Yes, there were comments about the used pitch being better for us, but batting second on a used pitch is tougher. In the event, we asked them to bat first and our bowlers were outstanding. Our fielding in this game was world-class and Sarfraz’s captaincy was brilliant. His bowling changes and field placings were perfect, England also started well, but we built up pressure in the field. There were very few boundaries and even the singles became difficult for them. The dot balls led to a lot of pressure on England and despite the fact that they have stroke players throughout their batting order, they could only score 103 runs off their last 27 overs! After that, our batsmen’s task was a lot easier.
Q: After the opening game, Pakistan’s bowlers have been spot on. How do assess you bowling combination?
A: Our bowlers have been outstanding. They have gelled very well as a combination. We usually play with three fast bowlers, all of whom are very different. Then we have the leg-spin of Shadab. He is a fine bowler, even though he may go for runs sometimes. He gives variety and penetration in the middle of the innings. Imad Wasim is a very different type of left-arm spinner and he can get you crucial breakthroughs. And then, we have the off-spinning all-sounders, Hafeez and Malik. So we have all bases covered - we are dangerous with the new ball, in the middle overs, the reverse-swing of Hasan and the two spinners gets us breakthroughs and at the death, our seamers are very accurate. Over the last couple of seasons, our bowling has tended to struggle a bit, but it has all come together beautifully. I hope this continues in the final as well.
Q: After you have started opening the batting Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan has tended to get solid starts. In fact, the 118-run stand versus England was Pakistan’s first century opening partnership in the history of the Champions Trophy.What is it like, batting with such an ultra-aggressive youngster at the other end?
A: Fakhar was in the same team as I was during the Pakistan Super League. Though I didn’t play a single game for Lahore Qalandars this season, I got to know him well. He is a very confident young man. To make your debut in a tournament of this stature and then to bat in this fashion shows his temperament and confidence.I never felt as if I was batting with a newcomer. Now, I am hoping for an even better start in the final, so that we can lift the trophy. I hope both of us can express ourselves in the big game.
Q: You were not in the Pakistan ODI team for the West Indies tour just recently. How has it been for you to come back into the team for such an important tournament and then be Pakistan's leading run-getter going into the final?
A: I have strong faith in Almighty Allah, I have experienced many ups and downs in my career so far and I have learnt that if you put too much pressure on yourself, you will never succeed. There is so much pressure as it is, when you are making a comeback - even more than when you are making your debut - that I just decided to simplify things. The idea was to play my natural game and not to try to play like someone else. I had nothing to lose. I have done very well in Test cricket in recent times and that gave me added confidence.
Q: Now it is all down to one game - the final. What are your thoughts going into the big game?
A: It is a massive game, but again, if you think too much about it, you will only put more pressure on yourself. I prefer to keep it simple and focus on the basics. The rest will take care of itself. We just need to ensure that we execute our skills well.
Q: Both teams have been more comfortable chasing a target in this tournament. Is that the plan for tomorrow as well?
A: That will depend on the pitch. The captain and coach will take a decision, based on how they read the pitch. After that, it is down to us to back whatever choice they make. The toss is not in our control either, so we need to go into the game with clear plans for whatever situation that arises.
Q: Finally, there has been a lot chat among ex-players and fans in the lead-up to the game. How does that affect the players?
A: Yes, we have been seeing reports of ex-players from both teams saying things that they hope will add spice to the match. I think that is not right. Sport, especially a match like this, should bring both, players and nations closer together. It is an occasion to be celebrated, not one to create bad blood. This is sport - sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But there must be mutual respect. I can understand normal people or the media saying things to create hype, but players who have been in this situation should not stoop to that level. Let’s enjoy this great day!
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