Babar Azam (Pakistan, Captain) Pre-match Press Conference Translation | PAK v ENG | T20 World Cup 2022

**Question:**It’s been three days now that Pakistan has played their semi-final against New Zealand. How much excited and nervous is Pakistan camp after three days?

**Babar Azam:**I'm more excited than nervous since we've performed well in our last three matches. It is no doubt that pressure exists but it can only be suppressed with confidence and belief in ourselves. And for good results it is impertinent that one must do so.

**Question:**How challenging it would be for England to face Pakistan’s pace attack?

**Babar Azam:**England is a competitive team, their win to reach the finals against India was a proof of that. Our strategy is to stick to our plan and using our pace attack as our strength to win the finals.

**Question:**How confident are you to repeat the history which was made against England in WC 92, as you are just a match away to become Fatah e Azam (World Champion) from Babar Azam?

**Babar Azam:**Yes. I believe we couldn't start off well but we came back with great momentum. In the previous 3-4 matches, Pakistani team has played very well on both individual and team level. We've been working really hard for this. It feels like a dream come true to reach the final.

**Question:**How important is the power play? What would be your strategy to deal with it?

**Babar Azam:**Utilizing power play to grab as many wickets will be essential for the match. Even when you bat, you want to set a great pace for the upcoming batsmen. We will try to maintain and continuously build our momentum hence ensuring better performance.

**Question:**How do you advise the team over effort and luck?

**Babar Azam:**We firmly believe that whatever happens is according to Allah's will, but this never stops us from hard work. Providing an opportunity is indeed divine but making good use of it is when the ball is put in our court. I'm thankful for where I stand today and I'll continue to work harder to achieve what lies ahead.

**Question:**Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja met Pakistan squad yesterday, how impactful was his visit?
**Babar Azam:**When the Chairman (PCB) came and shared his experience of the world cup, it put a massive boast in our confidence. He advised us to stay calm and focus on what goes well.

**Question:**What would be your strategy if the weather conditions were dominant on Sunday?

**Babar Azam:**It is a part of our strategy but we would like to have a full fledge match curtailing the excitement of the entire world.

**Question:**How relax did you feel after your performance in the semi-final? Can you comment on (Mohammad) Haris’s impact in the team?

**Babar Azam:**Of course great pressure is build upon you when you are under a spell of not scoring well. But here I'd like to commend the middle order, they stepped up and took the responsibility to achieve what me and Rizwan couldn't. Iftikhar, Shadab and Haris played extremely well. Although a youngster, but Haris proved himself to be an asset in this event. Although I couldn't perform well but the rest of the team performance kept me motivated.

**Question:**How important is the toss for you and what would you like to say to the nation of Pakistan?

**Babar Azam:**Winning the toss isn't a priority as it won't matter much. But yes on the spot weather conditions may have an impact on the plan.

Pakistani nation has always been out backbone. They uphold us through their enthusiasm. I would again request them to support us and keep praying.

**Question:**How much pressure do you feel when your Prime Minister tweet or comment on cricket?

**Babar Azam:**I don't think this imposes any pressure. I haven't seen the tweet myself so dont know the context of it. .