‘Bye Bye Padosiyo’ – Fans react as Babar Azam led-Pakistan’s ODI World Cup 2023 exit confirmed after England opt to bat first

The Pakistan cricket team has locked horns against England on November 11 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata for their last and final game of the league stage of the ODI World Cup 2023. However, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has lost the toss, and England captain Jos Buttler has decided to bat first, which almost knocks the Men in Green out of the tournament.

Notably, this clearly means that New Zealand has been qualified for the semi-final spot and will be facing hosts India on November 15 at the iconic Wankhede Cricket Stadium in Mumbai for their first semi-final game. In addition, Australia and South Africa will be facing each other in the second semi-final game, slated to take place on November 17 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

However, despite losing the toss, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is confident about making it to the semis. The 29-year-old cricketer accepted that the situation is very tough now, as he wishes to bat first after winning the toss. In addition, the top-order batsman reveals his plan: they will be looking to bundle out the defending champions on the lower score to qualify for the semis. The Lahore-born cricketer is hopeful about Fakhar Zaman’s batting, which can guide them to the fourth spot in the semi-final.

We have good bowlers and we would look to bowl England out cheaply: Babar Azam

“We wanted to bat first, but toss is not in our hands. Have good bowlers and we would look to bowl them out cheaply. Team have one change – Hasan Ali is not playing and Shadab Khan comes in his place. We are looking forward to Fakhar’s batting. We will try our best,” Babar Azam said at the toss.