'Even if it is 1%, there is hope at least' - Gautam Gambhir lauds Babar Azam's optimism to bag semi-final spot in World Cup

Former India batter Gautam Gambhir hailed Pakistan captain Babar Azam after the latter expressed optimism about his side's semifinal qualification chances ahead of their final group-stage clash in the ongoing World Cup. Pakistan will lock horns with defending champions England on Saturday, November 11 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Men in Green need a massive win by approximately 287 runs against the Englishmen to book their semifinal spot ahead of New Zealand and will have almost nil chances if they bat second.

While asked about his opinions on Babar's hopeful declaration in the press conference, Gambhir stated that what the 29-year-old stated was 'exceptional' and that he has every right to show his confidence as he is captain of the ship.

"It is an uphill task for sure but what do you expect from a leader? What should he say in the press conference? Should he say that they have conceded defeat and that they want to go back?

"He is his country's leader and has every right to show his confidence in the press conference. Even if it is 1%, there is hope at least. They are still not out and anything can happen in cricket. So I believe it was an exceptional press conference," Gambhir said on Star Sports. 

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Pakistan have nothing to lose: Gambhir

The cricketer-turned-commentator went on to say that a leader has to believe it is not over and that is what Babar is doing. The 42-year-old added that Pakistan can play confidently in their forthcoming game against England.

"It does not matter what we say or write on social media. A leader's duty is to believe that it ain't over till it's over, whether it is one or half a percent hope. You go and play and try to score 400 if you get to bat first. In fact, Pakistan have nothing to lose. Even if they get bowled out for 200 or 250 while trying to score 400, at least they have in their mind that they need to score over 450 and dismiss them for under 200," the former cricketer concluded.

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