Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith voiced full confidence in Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman before Saturday,s tri-series final against Sri Lanka, stating he possesses zero doubt both athletes will regain their scoring touch.
Addressing reporters following Tuesday,s batting failure against Sri Lanka where the squad folded for a mere 110, Smith backed the two veteran cricketers despite their recent poor form.
Reporters questioned if Babar,s inability to convert solid starts into major totals worried the coaching staff, but Smith rejected the idea completely.
He stated, Definitely not. The hardest part of cricket is getting yourself in, and Babar,s doing that incredibly easily at times.
Smith noted that Babar executed many aspects correctly and remained ready to deliver a massive performance at any moment.
He further remarked, If he had turned one of those starts into a big score, no one,s saying a thing. That,s international cricket. That,s the top-end sport. You can,t perform at the highest level every single time.
He added, We have zero doubt he,ll be going big, and when he does go big, it,ll be great to watch.
The coach extended identical backing to Fakhar, who failed to deliver solid openings for Pakistan throughout the competition.
Smith described him as a world-class player, noting that athletes occasionally experience dry spells despite possessing proven ability.
According to Smith, We have zero doubt that he,ll come good for us. Hopefully he does in the final and everyone,s happy.
Smith emphasized that Fakhar,s talent for taking control of games once established makes him an essential asset for the national team.
Pakistan arrived at Tuesday,s fixture holding three straight wins in the tri-series, though their batting order faltered against Sri Lankan bowling.
Evaluating the squad,s collective display, Smith conceded that the batting group currently operates below full capacity.
He estimated that the unit functions at roughly 70 percent of its required standard, viewing this challenge as a chance for progress.
Smith blamed the batting collapse on poor shot selection paired with strong bowling, noting the team failed to generate rhythm.
At the same time, he commended the middle-order batters for stepping up after the top order failed to produce runs.
He stated, When the top order fire, and they will fire, that,s a dangerous place to be for the Pakistan batting unit.
Smith also dismissed claims that Lahore pitches caused the batting difficulties, pointing out that elite cricketers must adjust to varying surfaces.
He stated, No, I,m not blaming the pitches, not the pitches, fault, while admitting the team fell short in adapting properly.
Regarding the upcoming championship match, Smith maintained that the recent loss against Sri Lanka carries zero weight.
He stated, The fact that we,ve lost the game leading into the final is going to have zero bearing on anything.
He concluded, At the end of the day, it,s a final, and whichever team stands up under the pressure is going to do well and lift the trophy.
Pakistan meets Sri Lanka in the Saturday tri-series final, aiming for strong performances from senior batters.
