Twenty20 series: Misbah rues yet another batting failure

Pakistan lose to England, aim for turnaround in decider today.

DUBAI:

After a disappointing 38-run defeat in the second Twenty20, which levelled the series for England, Pakistan will be looking to put behind their dismal show and make a comeback in the decider of the three-match series that takes place today.

The second match saw Pakistan collapsing for a lowly 112 after having been set 151 with captain Misbahul Haq left frustrated at the familiar disintegration.

“I thought 151 was a gettable target because the pitch had nothing for the bowlers,” said Misbah. “But we had a very poor start. That was followed by the loss of regular wickets and you do not win matches after that.”

Bairstow the hero for England

England, who lost the first match by eight runs, made a fine comeback in the series courtesy Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 46-ball 60 and fast-bowler Steven Finn’s three wickets.

England captain Stuart Broad, who picked up two wickers, was a delighted man after the victory.

“We talked about the comeback and I think the guys showed a lot of character,” said Broad. “Bairstow showed a lot of character. He showed experience beyond his years to realise that was probably not going to be a 170 pitch, and to make sure we got to a strong 150.”

Misbah also recognised the value of Bairstow’s mature innings.

“He played really well,” said Misbah. “At the time, especially, when they had lost their main players, like Kevin Pietersen and Ravi Bopara, I think he played a wonderful knock. He set the game up for them.”

Meanwhile, England coach Andy Flower believed his team had gained vital experience against Pakistan, which will help them in their bid to defend their World Twenty20 title later this year.

“The experience that those guys gained in a pressure situation against a very good opposition in these conditions will be absolutely vital to our growth as a side,” said Flower.

Pakistan suffer batting blues again

Pakistan were off to a disastrous start as Finn had Mohammad Hafeez caught off the second ball of the innings and then removed Umar Akmal (19). The hosts were dealt further blows when Awais Zia (six), Asad Shafiq (one) and Shoaib Malik (12) were out, leaving Pakistan on 50 for five.

Shahid Afridi (25) lifted the tempo but England hit back by dismissing Misbah (13) before Hammad Azam (21) showed promise in his brief knock but Pakistan were never in the hunt after the young all-rounder’s dismissal.

Earlier, England got off to a flying start, making 35 by the fifth over before Pakistan hit back by dismissing Pietersen, Bopara and Eoin Morgan in the space of 14 runs. Bairstow added a vital 39 for the fifth wicket with Samit Patel (13).

Andy Flower

“At this stage we have to keep an eye on the World Twenty20, which is in seven months’ time and therefore how we play against these spinners in these conditions is vital to our chances in Sri Lanka.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2012.