Southee targets Misbah as dangerman

PALLEKELE:

New Zealand pace spearhead Tim Southee said that in-form Pakistan batsman Misbahul Haq was in his sights for the match between the Group A rivals tomorrow.

The 36-year-old was in prime form on his side’s recent tour of New Zealand, making 203 runs in four innings to help Pakistan secure a series win and has continued to score runs at the World Cup. Misbah scored 65 against Kenya, 83 not out against Sri Lanka and 37 against Canada, playing a key role in his team’s three wins in the three matches.

“He has obviously been having a great period not just against us but also in the World Cup,” said Southee. “Hopefully, we have learnt from the way we bowled against him in New Zealand and we can work on a couple of things to try and put an end to the form he is in, also Shahid Afridi and a couple of other guys who are standing up in key moments in the games.”

Criticism overruled

Pakistan manager Intikhab Alam brushed aside criticism from former great Imran Khan, who said team selections at the World Cup had been negative. Khan said playing with two frontline pacemen and two spinners, in addition to Mohammad Hafeez as spinning all-rounder and fast-bowling all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, was defensive.

But Alam said Pakistan had been making the most of their resources. “Everyone has the right to give their opinion, but we have not closed our eyes and ears,” he said.

“The team management is doing its homework and is doing whatever is needed in the best interests of the team,” added Alam. The former captain’s criticism came despite three wins out of three for Pakistan, which sees them at the top of the group.

Vettori wary of Pakistan threat

Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has demanded a complete performance against a threatening Pakistan bowling attack.

Led by captain Shahid Afridi’s leg-spin, Pakistan possess variety in their bowling with off-spinners Saeed Ajmal and Hafeez, coupled with a strong new-ball attack of Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz. Vettori feels the attack, against which New Zealand lost a One-Day International series 3-2 at home last month, will be tough to handle.

“I think we know how good their bowling can be,” said Vettori. “They can probably defend any score because of the nature of their bowlers. They bring a lot to the table.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2011.