T20 World Cup 2021: Babar Azam faces Pakistan’s interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq in nets

Pakistan have made an absolute stellar start to their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021. After recording a historic win against arch-rivals India in their opening game, the Men in Green thrashed New Zealand by five wickets. With the other three teams in Group 2 being Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia, the Babar Azam-led side is certain to qualify for the semi-finals.

Ahead of the clash against Afghanistan on Friday (October 23), Babar Azam polished his skills against none other Saqlain Mushtaq. The legendary off-spinner has been named Pakistan’s interim head coach for the competition and he would be determined to take his side to glory. Meanwhile, Mushtaq was seen bowling to Azam in nets in a video shared by Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) official Twitter page.

It’s Saqlain Mushtaq vs Babar Azam in Pakistan nets!

“Saqlain vs Babar!@Saqlain_Mushtaq in full flow #WeHaveWeWill #T20WorldCup,” read the caption of the clip. Although Mushtaq quit professional cricket a long time back, he was still looking pretty effective against one of the finest batters of the modern era. While the Pakistan skipper faced most of deliveries precisely, he couldn’t time a couple of balls as per his liking.

Saqlain vs Babar!@Saqlain_Mushtaq in full flow 😍#WeHaveWeWill#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/PC0IvDXdo5

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 29, 2021

The comment section got flooded in no time seeing Mushtaq leaving no stones unturned to train his players. Many were also delighted to legendary off-spinner in the bowling crease. Meanwhile, Mushtaq is pretty pleased by the way his team has done so far in the competition.

“After winning, it becomes easy to implement one’s plans. The team is moving forward in a positive direction. All members of the team are working together with the same mindset,” Mushtaq was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. As Pakistan are most likely to top the Group 2, Mushtaq backed India as the other semi-finalist from the group. He even wishes to see an Indo-Pak clash in the final.

“If India makes it to the final with us, it would be a great thing because I feel — and this is not because we became big-headed after beating them — but because they are a strong team, everyone considers them a favourite,” Saqlain said in a virtual press conference.