2019 Cricket World Cup: We are confident that we will qualify, says Babar Azam

Babar Azam shows his gratitude after notching up a century against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Babar Azam’s unbeaten century guided Pakistan to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in a World Cup fixture. It not only bolstered the team’s confidence but also kept it alive for the semifinals race.

After a power-packed knock, Babar spoke to the scribes during the post-match interaction. Excerpts:

On the importance of his century and guiding the team home: It was in my mind that I was not being able to finish a match. The plan was to steady partnerships — first with (Mohammad) Hafeez

bhai and then with Haris (Sohail). We wanted to carry it as long as we could.

On the nature of the wicket: It was difficult to bat on as it was spinning a lot. Hafeez and I had a plan that we have to play the spinners well, and then attack the fast bowlers.

On the next couple of must-win matches: We are very focused on this thing. Hafeez, Babar, Shaheen — everybody contributed a lot today. We are confident and we are taking match by match, and hopefully we will qualify.

On the uncanny resemblance to the 1992 campaign: We aren’t talking about it. We are just focusing on our game. All the remaining games are do-or-die matches.

On how are things improving: Things are getting better. We have the confidence that somebody or the other will step up in crunch situations. We believe in each other and we know that we need to work on smaller things in the fielding department.