Farhan vows to maintain aggressive approach in T20 cricket

ISLAMABAD, Oct 12 (APP): Pakistan T20I Captain Sahibzada Farhan has vowed to maintain an aggressive approach in the shortest format, saying the team is determined to play fearless cricket and set higher scoring standards.

Speaking to PCB Digital after Pakistan secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, Farhan said the team had adopted a different mindset before the series, focusing on maximising scoring opportunities during the powerplay and putting opposition bowlers under pressure.

“Before the series started, our mindset was to play a different brand of cricket. If we scored 40 runs in the powerplay, we wanted to push it to 50 or even 60,” he said.

Farhan said Pakistan’s aggressive batting approach had given the team confidence to target bigger totals, adding that scores of 180 and even 200-plus were achievable.

He made it clear that the attacking mindset would remain central to his approach throughout his T20 career.

“Whether I play my 50th match or my 100th, this is the demand of T20 cricket. I will continue to play this way and attack in the same manner,” he said.

Explaining his approach at the crease, Farhan said he was confident in the batting depth available to Pakistan, including the players coming in after him.

“I know that Muaz, Hasan and Saim come in after me, which is why I played attacking shots,” he said.

The captain also praised young batter Muaz Sadaqat for his performances, noting that the youngster had progressed through Pakistan’s Under-16 and Under-19 cricket systems.

“Muaz Sadaqat has come through the Under-16 and Under-19 process and is playing very well,” Farhan said.

Farhan also lauded domestic performer Muhammad Imran Randhawa for his consistency and ability to bowl accurately in a particular area. He said he had decided to give Randhawa four consecutive overs because he believed the bowler was having a good day.

“Muhammad Imran Randhawa is a domestic performer who can bowl consistently in one area. I felt it was his day, so I gave him four consecutive overs. He bowled very well,” he said.

Farhan’s comments underline Pakistan’s emphasis on aggressive batting, effective use of the powerplay and confidence in the team’s depth as they look to build on their recent performances.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the third T20I on Tuesday, with the hosts holding a decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match series.