‘Unprofessional’ Pakistan secure ODI series

Former players lament poor show after West Indies win final match by 10 wickets.

KARACHI:

Pakistan did lift the trophy but West Indies had more reasons to smile after a 10-wicket drubbing of the visitors in the final match in Guyana.

The hosts, who won the one-off Twenty20 as well, lost the first three One-Day Internationals as Pakistan secured the series but bounced back well, especially in the last game, after dismissing the opposition for a paltry 139 before overhauling the total in just the 24th over.

A batting failure where only three managed to score in double figures - Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal and Mohammad Salman - Pakistan were wrecked by   Ravi Rampaul and captain Darren Sammy but managed a second successive ODI series win.

Former players criticised Pakistan batting as the team lost its second game after taking first strike in the series.

Team lacks professionalism: Zaheer

Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas felt the team lacked consistency and professionalism which was the main reason behind the loss they suffered in the last two ODIs. “Batting in the last match suggests they are unprofessional and inconsistent,” the Asian Bradman told The Express Tribune. “If they got complacent after winning the series, it shows their lack of professionalism which is hard to find in the top-ranked teams.”

Abbas also added that after beating the Pakistan side with ten wickets in the fifth one day match, the hosts proved themselves worthy winners of the fourth match, which was decided on the Duckworth-Lewis method.

“Pakistan can take little positives from the series but its outcome is a great achievement for Windies.”

The hosts were missing the experience of Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul while Ramnaresh Sarwan was recalled for the final two ODIs.

Afridi wants batting coach

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who made 28 runs in three innings, blamed poor batting for the defeat.

“This is a disappointing end to the series,” said Afridi. “We struggled in batting and we need someone to teach us how to bat in such situations.”

Hafeez hopes for better results

Hafeez, who made 267 runs in five matches and claimed six wickets, was named man of the series and hoped for an improved show from the side in the upcoming Test series.

“It is sad but we will learn from it,” said Hafeez. “As far as my performance is concerned, I would like to thank the people who trusted my ability and supported me.”

Mohammad Hafeez

267 runs, 6 wickets

With each passing day, he grows into a genuine all-rounder. One century and two fifties in the series have solved half of Pakistan’s opening worries. Improvement with the ball is a bonus for the team.



Misbahul Haq

184 runs

Running out of steam in the final two matches, Misbah provided  stability to a young and inexperienced line-up but his reluctance to rotate the strike early on does worry the batsmen, and captain, to follow



Shahid Afridi

28 runs, 2 wickets

A wretched series for the captain after an impressive World Cup. Rash strokeplay has defined his career but his ineffectiveness with the ball raised questions about his place in the squad yet again



Saeed Ajmal

6 wickets

Although he took just six wickets in the series, his wizardry with the ball and the pressure he created by not giving away runs had a fair say in Pakistan chasing small targets.



Junaid Khan

3 wickets

Touted as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket, Junaid failed to live up to the expectations and the hype. Unlucky at times, his wicket column needs added weight if he wants to remain a regular in the squad.



Ahmed Shehzad

139 runs

A poor World Cup was followed by a poor series. A century is all Shehzad has to show and technique that often led to his downfall came under heavy fire. As well as did his reluctance to learn from mistakes



Mohammad Salman

22 runs, 3 dismissals

A surprise inclusion in the Test squad, Salman will hope to impress with an innings, a stumping or a catch to remember. So far, he has been reliable with the gloves but not with the bat.

Wahab Riaz

7 wickets

Pakistan’s leading hope with the ball, Riaz continues to grow with time. Used more as first-change given the conditions in West Indies, Riaz reminds the world how Pakistan can still win despite the bans.

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