After suffering a whitewash in the One-Day International (ODI) series before going down in the Twenty20s against England, Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq is confident that his team has the ability to make a strong comeback in the Asia Cup starting from March 11 in Bangladesh.
The Pakistan team departed for Dhaka to take part in the tournament that also features the hosts, India and Sri Lanka.
Misbah, who lost his first ODI and Twenty series as captain, said the team ‘will not repeat its mistakes’.
“We failed to perform at our best against England,” Misbah told reporters at the Karachi International Airport. “But the team will not repeat the same mistakes.
“There is nothing to be too worried about after the failure against England because the same team performed well last year.
“Our team is balanced and I am confident we will bounce back strongly.”
The captain insisted that the team will not have added pressure in the game against India.
Pakistan play the opening game against Bangladesh on March 11 and will meet India on March 18, three days after their game against Sri Lanka.
Team looking forward to Asia Cup: Whatmore
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s new head coach Dav Whatmore said that the team was looking to make amends.
“That was a little bit not in the script and I am sure the team wants to make amends,” said Whatmore. “They had a brilliant Test series and the subsequent loss was a surprise but it’s all part of the game.”
Spinners will be key, says Qasim
Pakistan chief selector Iqbal Qasim said that while the tournament will be a tough assignment, Pakistan had it in them to win the trophy.
“Sri Lanka have made an impressive comeback in Australia,” said Qasim.
“India are also coming after playing competitive cricket. It will be a tough tournament but our team’s performance overall has been good.”
Qasim, a former left-arm spinner, felt that spinners will play a major role in the four-nation tournament.
“Slow bowlers are very effective in Bangladesh conditions. But our spinners are in good form and I expect a good show from them.”
We need to give our best: Younus
Experienced batsman Younus Khan welcomed Whatmore as the new coach as the Australian gears up for what will be his first assignment with the Pakistan team.
“I don’t see any player having issues with the new coach. We have played under a foreign coach in the past as well.”
Sarfraz eyes to shine with the bat
Meanwhile, wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed said he was aiming to contribute with the bat.
“I will give my best to fulfill the trust the selectors have shown in me,” said the wicket-keeper, who was recalled in place of Adnan Akmal.
“I had a good domestic season with the bat and I am targeting good innings along with the focus on my wicket-keeping.”
Check-in delayed
The Pakistan players were faced with a bizarre situation at the Karachi airport after fans gathered around the team bus, delaying their check-in for the Dhaka flight.
The situation, which irked the squad members, arose after inadequate security was provided by the authorities.
A member of the squad complained about the inadequate security measures, demanding that prior measures must be taken to avoid such situations from occurring again.
Misbahul Haq
“We failed to perform at our best against England. But the team will not repeat the same mistakes There is nothing to be too worried about after the failure against England because the same team performed well last year.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 8th, 2012.
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