• Iftikhar Ahmed optimistic for vital ICC match vs. New Zealand.
• Recent win boosted morale; focus on hard work and trust.
• Must-win game with semi-final hopes on the line.

As Pakistan gears up for a high-stakes encounter against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2023, middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed expressed confidence in his team’s morale during a recent press interaction.

The Green Shirts are set to face New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on November 4, in what is being billed as a must-win match.

Iftikhar, a seasoned cricketer at the age of 33, spoke about the positive boost the team received after their latest victory over Bangladesh by seven wickets in Kolkata. He stated, “Team’s morale is high after the [latest] win, we will try to play our best cricket in the remaining games. We can only do hard work, and our entire team is doing that; we only trust what is in our hands.”

In a lighter moment, Iftikhar shared a humorous insight into the team’s dynamics. He jokingly mentioned that there’s a misconception that they indulge in Biryani feasts when they lose but not when they win. He quipped, “When we are losing, everyone says that no one in the team is giving their best, but when the team is losing, no one says that we are eating Biryani, please tell me why is it like this. If someone is eating Biryani or doing something that damages the country’s name, then we are against it.”

Iftikhar also shed light on his role within the team, both as a batsman and a bowler. He emphasized his commitment to following the team’s strategy, stating, “I come to bowl in the starting overs with a plan. I only play according to my role in the team. I will come to bat at whatever position the team wants me to bat.”

As Pakistan prepares for their crucial clash with New Zealand, Iftikhar stressed the importance of maintaining a strong net run rate (NRR) in the tournament. He highlighted the challenges of scoring quickly in the early stages of innings in Indian conditions, where the wickets tend to be batting-friendly. He also mentioned the team’s adaptability to pitch conditions, adjusting their field placements accordingly.

Pakistan faces an injury-plagued New Zealand side in a must-win World Cup match on Saturday. A defeat in Bengaluru tomorrow would extinguish their hopes of reaching the semi-finals, adding immense pressure to this highly anticipated match. Cricket fans around the world will be watching with bated breath as these two cricketing giants clash in this crucial encounter in the ICC World Cup 2023.

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