Ponting excited by ‘dangerous’ Pakistan
Ricky Ponting’s men yearn for tough opposition ahead of the knock-outs and as they take on Pakistan.
COLOMBO:
With Australia’s key match against Sri Lanka washed out two weeks ago, Ricky Ponting’s men yearn for tough opposition ahead of the knock-outs and as they take on Pakistan today, the team looks to add to their 24-match unbeaten run in World Cups.
Labelling them a ‘dangerous’ side, Ponting is not dwelling too much on the figures – 17 wins in the last 22 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Pakistan – but knows the unpredictable former champions can expose the defending champions’ weaknesses in a match inconsequential for both teams’ progress.
“We’re reasonably happy with our performance but things can always get better,” said Ponting. “There are areas that we can improve and that’s what we’ll try and do. Hopefully, you’ll see our best performance of the tournament against Pakistan.”
Ponting pinpointed Shahid Afridi as the main threat that stood between his team and a flawless entry into the quarter-finals. Afridi tops the wicket-takers’ chart with 16 wickets and Ponting confirmed that he remained the centre of the team meeting.
“He’s been a stand-out bowler for them. He tends to control their bowling. And that’s why he’s taken these wickets. We discussed him in the meeting and we need to make sure we play him well and show him respect.”
While ruing the schedule that has seen Australia take on the minnows after the washed out match, Ponting is eager to drive his team into the last-eights on a winning note.
“We’ve maintained a very proud record in World Cups but we don’t talk about the past. It’s about making sure we’re prepared for the next challenge and we want to make sure we put our stamp on the tournament from here on.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2011.
With Australia’s key match against Sri Lanka washed out two weeks ago, Ricky Ponting’s men yearn for tough opposition ahead of the knock-outs and as they take on Pakistan today, the team looks to add to their 24-match unbeaten run in World Cups.
Labelling them a ‘dangerous’ side, Ponting is not dwelling too much on the figures – 17 wins in the last 22 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Pakistan – but knows the unpredictable former champions can expose the defending champions’ weaknesses in a match inconsequential for both teams’ progress.
“We’re reasonably happy with our performance but things can always get better,” said Ponting. “There are areas that we can improve and that’s what we’ll try and do. Hopefully, you’ll see our best performance of the tournament against Pakistan.”
Ponting pinpointed Shahid Afridi as the main threat that stood between his team and a flawless entry into the quarter-finals. Afridi tops the wicket-takers’ chart with 16 wickets and Ponting confirmed that he remained the centre of the team meeting.
“He’s been a stand-out bowler for them. He tends to control their bowling. And that’s why he’s taken these wickets. We discussed him in the meeting and we need to make sure we play him well and show him respect.”
While ruing the schedule that has seen Australia take on the minnows after the washed out match, Ponting is eager to drive his team into the last-eights on a winning note.
“We’ve maintained a very proud record in World Cups but we don’t talk about the past. It’s about making sure we’re prepared for the next challenge and we want to make sure we put our stamp on the tournament from here on.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2011.