High-flying Pakistan aim for T20 success
Spurred by the Test and One-Day International (ODI) series wins, Pakistan aim to end the UAE tour with a bang and beat Sri Lanka in the one-off Twenty20 today.
The ‘hosts’ clinched the Test series 1-0 but more emphatic was their 4-1 win in the ODIs that followed, pulling them up to fifth in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings. However, a seventh spot in the Twenty20 rankings has motivated Pakistan to go all-out in the match against second-placed Sri Lanka.
“This format is no more a joy ride and has become vital,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “All teams have started giving special emphasis to the format and we’re doing the same.”
Series triumph encouraging: Misbah
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq, who tasted his third successive ODI series win as captain, was delighted with his side’s performance.
“The team performed brilliantly,” said Misbah. “Players are improving with every match and showing responsibility. Our approach is to go match-by-match and the team has displayed hard work. We’ll have to carry it in future assignments.”
Misbah also targeted success in the Twenty20 today and said his team was raring to go in the format.
“We’re desperate for success in this format. We used to be outstanding and will revive that status.”
The captain also defended Shoaib Malik over his poor form and said runs were around the corner for the experienced player. Malik contributed two runs in the two ODIs he played - including a first-ball duck in Abu Dhabi.
Umar, Misbah to the rescue
Earlier, it needed an 84-run fifth wicket parntership between Umar Akmal and the captain to put Pakistan back on track on Wednesday.
Misbah made his first half-century of the series, scoring 66 before a reverse sweep ended his innings. However, Akmal continued and while he lost two other partners, the right-hander ensured Pakistan crossed the finish line.
Sri Lanka’s total, after they were in trouble at 46 for four, was due to a superb innings by former captain Kumar Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews before the spinners ensured there was no late onslaught. Sohail Tanvir stood out with four wickets but it was the spinners – Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez – who put a stranglehold on the opposition.
Dilshan confident ahead of Twenty20
Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan, who has looked helpless during the tour, remained confident ahead of the Twenty20.
“We’ve been performing well in the format,” said Dilshan. “I’m confident that the team will perform and win.”
Dilshan added his team failed to capitalise on favourable situations to finish off the game in their favour.
“There was a lack of finishing on our part while Pakistan benefitted from their players’ performances.”
Ajmal on top of the world
Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has risen to the top of the ODI rankings after the series against Sri Lanka where he claimed 11 wickets in five matches, according to the latest rankings on the ICC website.
Ajmal, who has now taken 30 wickets in 17 ODIs this year, gained five places during the series and is now ahead of New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori. The duo is followed by Graeme Swann of England.
Shahid Afridi, who was the top wicket-taker in the ODI series with 13, also leapt to seventh in the rankings while the in-form Hafeez is placed eighth.
Hafeez also shows his presence in the all-rounders’ rankings, as he is placed third, behind Bangladesh’s Shakibal Hasan and Shane Watson of Australia, followed by Afridi in fourth. The win also put Pakistan fifth in the ODI rankings.
Misbah
“Our approach is to go match-by-match and the team has displayed hard work. We’ll have to carry it on our future assignments. We’re desperate for success in this format. We will revive our status in the format.”
Dilshan
“We’ve been performing well in the format. I’m confident that the team will perform and win. We lost [the last ODI] after coming very close. There was a lack of finishing on our part while Pakistan’s players performed well.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 25th, 2011.
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@the Skunk: My dear friend, ''first bear England, South Africa and Australia then harp to the music of success'', what kind of comment is that? Victory is a victory, one should celebrate it and who said that we are the number 1 team in the world? we are not but have shown a better then expected performance. Please dont forget that these boys are not getting to play any international cricket at home. Its an achievement under the circumstances by any standards. Misbah you are a respectable person and you have shown it. Well done team..finally you played like a unit!
Still can't believe we're ranked no.7 in T20! Ridiculous!
Good going boys. Keep it up that way and don't let the likes of Butt, Asif and Amir get in the squad.
The Pak Eleven did perform with gusto and and focus. But it should also be remembered that the Sri Lankan team is down with 'cricket fatigue' and a few new faces. But the main handicap to their performance is 'too much cricket.' They need to take it easy for a while and then see their combative form of cricket.
Let the Pak Eleven defeat England, South Africa and AUSTRALIA and then harp to the music of success. Albeit it is good to see Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Mibah Ul Haq, Sohail Tanvir and Abdul Razzaq back in the saddle.
Salams for today's T 20 match