BENGALURU
Pakistan’s focus is on both winning the match and improving their net run rate ahead of the crucial ICC Cricket World Cup match against New Zealand, National Cricket Team Director Mickey Arthur has said.
On Friday, Mickey Arthur also hinted at a change in Pakistan’s game plan while talking to the media after Pakistan’s training session.
He acknowledged the importance of not only winning but also surpassing New Zealand’s net run rate.
Explaining the team’s strategic planning, Mickey Arthur said, “During the match against Bangladesh, I had every scenario in my pocket that if we win in 25 overs, if we win in 26 overs, if we win in 27 overs, then runs. What would the rate be? I knew how we would approach New Zealand’s net run rate in particular.”
However, Mickey Arthur stressed the need to respect New Zealand’s strength before diving into net run rate calculations.
“The first thing for us though is that we have to respect our opposition,” he acknowledged New Zealand’s quality.
New Zealand is a very good team. I think his coaching is very good. I think his leadership is very good. They are a very experienced cricket team.”
Regarding Pakistan’s performance in the tournament, Mickey Arthur said, “I don’t think we have played to our full potential yet.” He expressed hope that the team has come into form at the right time.
Mickey Arthur acknowledged the players’ flexibility and adaptability in unique situations, while also discussing elements such as constant travel and strict security measures.
He mentioned that restrictions were creating problems for us and he tried to organize team events to give us a taste of the outside world.
“What’s been difficult is that we’ve been under a lot of security, I found it difficult as well. It’s almost like we’re back in Corona. That time when you’re on your floor and your team,” he said. Almost isolated in the room. So much so that they have breakfast in a separate room for everyone. So that’s almost been the hard part.”
“It definitely does and I’ve seen it with some players where you wake up again and it’s Groundhog Day,” said Mikey Arthur when asked if too many restrictions were affecting the team. Like, Exactly the same. You have breakfast and if there is no training session that day, you go back to your room.
We’ve tried to have small team events and whatever in our team room.
But you know you can only do it to a certain extent. We took the boys to restaurants with security to give them a little taste of the outside world.”
