BAN vs PAK, ICC World Cup 2023: Net run rate on our mind, says Fakhar Zaman after Pakistan's win at Eden Gardens

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After a thumping win over Bangladesh, Pakistan's star performer Fakhar Zaman said the net run rate was on their mind once he and Abdullah Shafique gave a quick start in the chase at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday (October 31).

"Net run rate was in our mind after we reached 100, the aim was to finish it off in 30 overs," said Fakhar Zaman at the presentation ceremony. "The situation we are in at the moment, we were looking to chase it in 29-30 overs. Ifs and buts will be there, but our target is semifinal and we will try for that only."

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi led the pace attack brilliantly to bowl out Bangladesh for a paltry 204 before they cantered home in 32.3 overs to hugely boost their net run-rate.

"Every win in the World Cup, gives you confidence. We also waited for this win. We have now started to find our rhythm. Against South Africa, we made comebacks while batting as well as bowling. We are getting our combinations right. I've been part of this dressing room for eight years now, it will improve further," he said.

The win saw Pakistan snap their four-match losing streak and move past Afghanistan into fifth place on net run-rate with six points. They now have to win against New Zealand and England in their last two games to get to 10 points and hope that at least one of New Zealand or Australia slip in the points table losing two or more games.

Down with a niggle, Zaman had to sit out for five matches after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands.

"The injury was not that severe and I had to sit out for precaution. If team needed me, I would have played. Today I got a chance, and did my best in team's win."
Zaman said he's hungry for more such knocks.

"The way I'm playing at the nets I've a fair idea that the ball is coming well on bat. On Indian wickets, the key is to hang around for three-four overs and then it becomes easy to score runs. The boundaries are also short. I want to perform similarly in next matches, so that we make semis."