Pakistan’s move to experiment backfired as the Asian Games champions suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against lowly-ranked Belgium, who managed to level the two-Test series 1-1 with a thumping victory in Amsterdam.
Pakistan, who won the first match of the series 1-0, made several changes to the playing-eleven in a bid to give younger players a chance to test their skills. However, the experiment backfired as the European side dominated the match throughout.
The Belgian team led 2-0 at the end of the first-half before adding two more after the interval.
Mohammad Tauseeq scored the lone goal for Pakistan. Team manager Khwaja Junaid was, however, still upbeat after the loss.
“We’re on a training tour and trying new strategies,” Junaid told The Express Tribune.
“Since we had won the first game, we wanted to experiment. We gave a chance to youngsters who were yet to play a match on this tour.
“We’re here to learn and there’s no need to panic.”
Training camp resumes
After back-to-back matches against Belgium, Pakistan players will resume their training in Amsterdam.
“The players will undergo two training sessions during the camp,” said Junaid. “These will focus on their fitness.”
Following the camp, Pakistan take on hosts Netherlands in a two-match Test series to be played on July 15 and 16. The series will bring an end to Pakistan’s month-long tour of Europe.
“The matches against Netherlands are important and we will try to give an improved performance against the Dutch this time,” said the manager.
Pakistan were recently outclassed 4-0 by Netherlands in the Four Nations Cup.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 11th, 2011.
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