Pakistan ‘cautious’ after T20 loss

Afridi hopes for improvement as ODI series against WI starts today.

KARACHI:

Stunned by the West Indies in the one-off Twenty20, the first-ever between the two sides, Pakistan have promised to be cautious against the new-look home team in the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series beginning today in St Lucia.

The hosts, who were missing their experienced players including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, snatched a seven-run victory against the former champions in the only Twenty20 match of their Caribbean safari.

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said that by winning the match the hosts have showed there would be no let-up for his team in the ODI series.

“West Indies have shown they are a strong side,” said Afridi, following his team’s loss.

“They have indicated it is not going to be easy for us. We will have to be cautious in the ODI series,” he said before calling for hundred per cent efforts from his players.

“We will have to work hard in every match to win the series as West Indies will be more confident after winning the T20.”

Batting takes the blame again

While commenting on the defeat, the captain felt it was once again poor batting that let the team down while chasing an ordinary total.

“We had a good chance after restricting West Indies to 150.

“It was an easy target and there was nothing wrong with the conditions but our batsmen failed to avail the chance. We failed to build partnerships and that cost us the game.”

However, the all-rounder gave credit to the hosts for their fielding besides praising leg-spinner Davendra Bishoo who took four key wickets.

Sammy delighted after victory

West Indies captain Darren Sammy said his side achieved its first target by opening the series on a winning note.

“We wanted a winning start with our young team and we are happy with the way we have launched the series.” said Sammy.

“Pakistan are a dangerous side and will return with full might. We will have to work very hard to keep our chances open.”

‘Pakistan lose psychological advantage’

Meanwhile, former chief selector Abdul Qadir said Pakistan have lost the “psychological advantage” over their opponents which they gained by outclassing them in the World Cup quarter-finals by 10 wickets.

“The hosts have boosted their morale that will help them a lot in the upcoming series,” the legendary leg spinner told The Express Tribune.

Qadir lamented losing an easy match against a second-string West Indies team saying it was a huge setback for Pakistan.

“The team management will have to come up with better plans in order to win the ODIs.”

Another ex-chief selector Iqbal Qasim believed Pakistan needed a consistent batting performance in the series.

“Batting failure led Pakistan to defeat,” Qasim said, adding the batsmen will have to play with responsibility in the remainder matches of the tour.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2011.