Pakistan regroup for tri-series final

Smith urges collective improvement ahead of Sri Lanka showdown

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s batting coach Michael Smith has said that Pakistan must put their disappointing defeat behind them and focus on preparing for Saturday’s ODI tri-series final against Sri Lanka.

He urged his charges to rediscover the collective performance that helped them become the first side to qualify for the final.

Smith acknowledged that Pakistan had fallen short of their standards in their latest outing against Sri Lanka but said the team’s achievements throughout the tournament should provide confidence ahead of the title clash.

“We just did not play as well as we actually should have. We have done some really good things in this tournament, being the first team to qualify. We have played some exceptionally good cricket,” Smith told PCB digital.

“We have got to a place where we can win from anywhere, and we're building that sort of belief. Today was one of those days where things just didn't go our way, we did not play as well as we should have. Everyone knows that.”

Pakistan rested on Wednesday and will undergo training on Thursday to fine-tune for the final.

Rather than dwell on the defeat, Smith said Pakistan would use the days before the final to review their performance and work on areas requiring improvement.

“Our thing is how do we just move forward now and prepare as best we can for the finals. You always have to work on your game, you always have to try and improve,” Smith said.

“Even if you are doing really, really well, you have to try and improve all the time. That's our best thing. We will go back.”

Smith said the loss could be emotionally difficult for the players but expressed confidence in their ability to respond, pointing to their resilience in earlier matches.

“It's always tough after a loss like this. It can be emotional. Our thing is now we can go back and have a look at things,” he said.

“We are going to have a couple of really good days of preparation leading into the final. Like we said, that's why we're playing cricket, to make finals and get in finals, and we have. We're just really excited about the final coming up.”

He stressed that Pakistan's preparations would focus on the team as a whole rather than relying on individual performances.

“For us, that's probably more important than one or two players trying to do it. For us, we know as a collective, as a team, we all have to be on it.”

“Batting group, bowling group, fielding group, we all have to be on it to come to the final, and that's going to be our biggest focus.”

Smith said the players would need little motivation for a final in which they would be representing their country, with the coaching staff concentrating on providing clarity and helping them prepare effectively.

“I think it's a final and you're representing your country, so I don't think we'll have to do much to get the players ready. I think it's us just to help them prepare and have as much clarity as possible going into the final.”

Smith said Pakistan hoped to reward that fans’ support by producing their best cricket when the trophy is at stake.

“That's one of the reasons why you play and I think the players are going to have a really good day and let's hope we can play to the level that we know and have a good day.”

Following three successive wins Pakistan unexpectedly were outclassed by Sri Lanka by eight wickets in their last game.

Pakistan were folded for just 110, an embarrassing total at home for any team. Top order batting has been a major concern in the series. Sahibzada Farhan may be utilised for the final which matters the most.