ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan in damage control mode at Chennai

Under-fire Pakistan captain Babar Azam during a practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai yesterday. Pic/PTI

What's wrong with the Pakistan team? Will they make a strong comeback in the tournament? Will Babar Azam lead from the front?

These were some of the questions being asked by cricket fans who had gathered near the entrance of the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Babar's boys suffered a humiliating defeat to Afghanistan at the same venue on Monday. But when they began preparing for Friday's clash with South Africa, their body language was positive.

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A near three-hour practice session could be viewed as a serious attempt to achieve something significant. They looked fresh and determined on their 6 pm arrival at the ground. More than half their side indulged in football for almost half an hour. They seemed to be enjoying the activity, showcasing their footwork and kicking skills without taking any risks.

Then, the players formed a huddle, from where team director Mickey Arthur appeared to be giving them a 15-minute pep talk.

After some running drills, stretching exercises and close and high catching, the team made their way to the adjacent ground, where most of the players had good batting practice on turning and bouncy pitches.

Although challenged by a couple of promising local left-arm spinners and pacers, Pakistan's batsmen didn't hesitate to go for big hits.

At the press conference after the Afghanistan game, Pakistan skipper Babar admitted that they were preparing very well, but when it came to execution in the actual game, they were trying too hard.

That shocking defeat to Afghanistan has made them realise what they need to do against SA on Friday. "It [defeat] will hurt us a lot. We will have to go in with a different plan and different mindset, so we will try to bring a positive vibe in the team," Babar had said.

With only two wins from five games, Pakistan have their work cut out for sure.