ABU DHABI: The One-Day International (ODI) series is in the bag but Pakistan plan to go all out today in Abu Dhabi hoping to beat Sri Lanka and go fourth in the rankings.
The win will ensure a 4-1 scoreline, one that follows a Test series win, and will give the team the momentum it needs for the one-off Twenty20 and the series against Bangladesh and England that follow.
While Mohsin Khan, Pakistan’s interim coach, was pleased and wanted to end the ODI series on a winning note, he also hinted at trying out the bench strength for the last match.
“We’ll take the match seriously,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune in Abu Dhabi. “The team’s in good spirits and we just need to carry on the hard work to continue getting the good results. We cannot afford to be complacent as it may derail our progress.
“We’ll give untried players a chance but a final decision will be made after assessing the pitch and the conditions.”
Misbah lauds former captains’ support
Misbahul Haq, who was named Pakistan captain for all three formats following Shahid Afridi’s retirement earlier this year, lauded the support he got from the three former captains playing under him – Younus Khan, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik – and ruled out any hard feelings.
“Playing with those three in the squad is a beneficial situation for me,” said the captain.
“I get plenty of advice on the field from them whenever I need and that is a good thing for me as well as the team.”
The captain also confirmed that his side was looking to win the match in order to climb up the rankings.
While Misbah also aimed for a 4-1 win and has few worries going into the last game, his counterpart Tillakaratne Dilshan has a mountain to climb. Not helping will be the exclusion of Mahela Jayawardene – the highest run-getter in the low-scoring ODI series – who has been ruled out of the two remaining limited-overs matches.
Razzaq injured, to fly home today
Pakistan suffered a huge blow for the tour of Bangladesh when recalled all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was ruled out of action for three weeks after injuring his shoulder in the UAE.
Razzaq, who was overlooked for the fourth One-Day International against Sri Lanka, will be flying home today and will miss the limited-overs series against Bangladesh later this month.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 23rd, 2011.
COMMENTS (11)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@ Ram Lakhan: LOL first let India show how good they are....they are being thrashed by a poorly ranked West Indies not to mention the brutal whopping they got in England
Hopeless cricket team, beat India, SA and Aus to show how good you are.
Abdul Razzak departuring simply gives oppurtunity to shoaib malik.
Best of luck champions.
I think pakistan should go in with full side and end the series on high note! at 5th position they will be counted in worlds top 5 teams. It feels good to hear from commentators
aww thats a sweet thing to hear. ok team Pakistan you have the full support of the nation, We know that even Srilanka would try their best so that the dont lose the series 4-1 which would be a good thing for our ranking. We wont be mad at you (as a nation) in case you lose which usually happens when you win series but lose the last match (leaving a bad taste for the next tour/series). In case (God forbid) you are on the verge of losing, at lease give them a tough fight tell them its not a piece of cake to make Pakistan down and out. We are will you Best of Luck!!
Razzaq got injured in the 3rd ODI. He is being sent home and it is hoped that he shall recover for the Bangladesh series. Happy now.
pakistan is the best team.hopefully soon it will gain 1st position in icc ranking.our best wishes and prayers are with team pakistan.
is razzaq injured and asked to just leave and go home....????
Best of luck Team Green