'Every Player Has Hunger...,' Babar Azam Challenges India, Other Teams Before Asia Cup 2023

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Monday said that his team is driven by a strong "hunger" ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup. Pakistan are currently doing well in the ODI format; they defeated New Zealand 4-1 at home recently and are currently the second ranked team in ICC ODI rankings.

Their next series is against Afghanistan, which is unlikely to be a difficult job for them.

"Every player has a hunger to perform in this team. Every player wants to give match-winning performances," Babar said in Hambantota on the eve of their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.

"Recently we have had different player of the match award winners, which is a good sign for any team. When you perform in big tournaments, it boosts your morale as a team and as individuals and this team has performed well in the recent past. Bowlers win you big tournaments and I have faith in them to win us big tournaments," he added.

Afghanistan has never defeated Pakistan in an ODI, but Azam acknowledged that they have some good bowlers who can make the job tough for Pakistan batsmen.

"That we are playing in Asian conditions will definitely provide us an edge and help us get in the rhythm. The Afghanistan team is on the rise and they have some good bowlers. The fans will get to see some exciting cricket," he said.

Asia Cup 2023 begins on August 30. The match between India and Pakistan will take place in Kandy on September 2.