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It’s a big game and – inshallah – we’ll win: Jamshed

Nasir Jamshed is confident of Pakistan's chances and says they are preparing very hard for every game. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

It’s a big game and – inshallah – we’ll win: Jamshed

All the boys are playing well and supporting each other, says Pakistan batsman

30 September 2012 - 11:45am IST by Wisden India Staff in Colombo

Nasir Jamshed, Pakistan’s left-hand middle-order batsman, has created quite a stir at the ongoing ICC World Twenty20 2012. His laidback style of batting has got some commentators talking about Inzamam-ul-Haq, while others have mentioned Saeed Anwar, both stalwarts of Pakistan cricket. He caught the eye in Pakistan’s group stage win over New Zealand, scoring a 35-ball 56 to help his team win.

But all that’s in the past. It’s the Super Eights now, and India is in front of Pakistan next. Pakistan is being touted as the favourite in the match after its come-from-behind win over South Africa and India’s comprehensive loss to Australia. “Australia won easily against India and that’s very good for us. I thought India was disappointing in the last match,” said Jamshed.

Pakistan is a step ahead of India in the race for the semi-finals, though a reversal in Sunday night’s clash might change the equation again. “It’s a big game for both teams, but more for India,” said Jamshed. “For us, it will be like any other game, and inshallah, we will win the game."

Part of Pakistan’s confidence must stem from the fact that the win over South Africa proved how deep it bats and how, till the last ball is bowled, Pakistan can’t be counted out. “Yeah, the South Africa game was good for us. All the boys are playing really well and supporting each other,” said Jamshed. “It was a close game but we won it in the end and that’s what matters.”

In the past, the Pakistan team has often been regarded as a bit of a divided house – the current team appears to be different, and looks like it is playing together as a unit under captain Mohammad Hafeez. “We are trying to put in a lot of hard work in practice, making plans, and then, on the field, giving our 100 per cent,” said Jamshed. “The key is preparation, and we are preparing very hard for every game. And it’s working for us.”

Against India, again, Pakistan’s raw talent will be at the forefront, though, if things get tricky, it might come down to Jamshed to take charge of the middle overs. His role, therefore, can’t be undermined in the midst of the swashbucklers that the Pakistan team is full of.

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