Pakistan have to win remaining four games to keep trophy dream on, says Imad Wasim

When Imad Wasim came out to bat after the rain interruption during the chase against India at Old Trafford on Sunday, only the formalities were left in the game. Pakistan required a massive 136 runs from only 30 balls when play resumed and Imad ensured played some shots to get quick runs even though to no avail. Pakistan finished at 212 for 6 to lose by 89 runs while Imad remained unbeaten on 46 off 39 balls. Earlier in the day, the 30-year-old left-arm spinner conceded 49 runs in his 10 overs without any reward.

Pakistan played two spinners in the game against India which surprised quite a few experts. Along with Imad, Shadab Khan was also picked, none of the two spinners picked a wicket in fact, the Indian batsmen came hard at them, however, the former conceded comparatively lesser runs.

Imad made his World Cup debut in the first game against the West Indies which Pakistan lost badly. He could score only one run in his team’s total of 105 and didn’t get to bowl. He did not feature in the matches against England and Australia and returned in the game against India. Pakistan lost both the games that the left-arm cricketer played.

Imad now understands the gravity of the situation and said after the loss in Manchester that Pakistan have to win all their remaining four league matches if they fancy a spot in the semi-finals.

“This was a really, really disappointing result for us. When we came back on after the rain there was very little we could do, but we know we have four matches left and if we win those, we still have a chance,” he said after the match.

“Results of the other countries may come into play. From our point of view, we can only do what we can. What is in our hands is to try to win all four games and take it from there,” the all-rounder added.

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Pakistan next play South Africa a week later

Pakistan have a week to regroup as they face South Africa in their next game which is at Lord’s on June 23. After that, they play New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. At the moment, Pakistan are ranked ninth out of 10 teams with only winless Afghans below them.