ODI series: Pakistan aim to ‘overcome mistakes’

Sami likely to be fit for tomorrow’s match, says team manager Cheema.

KARACHI: Pakistan are eyeing a quick turnaround in the One-Day International (ODI) series after being stunned by an all-round Thisara Perera and an aggressive Tillakaratne Dilshan in the second match of the series, according to team manager Naveed Akram Cheema.  

Pakistan reached Colombo on Sunday, where they will play the remaining three matches, with a practice session held yesterday ahead of the third match that takes place tomorrow at the Premadasa. According to Cheema, apart from the mistakes, it was Perera’s magical spell of six for 44 that sunk his side.

“We made a lot of mistakes.” Cheema told The Express Tribune from Colombo. “But the team is working hard to avoid those. We sat down after the match and looked at our performance in each department. Also, Perera was outstanding in the match and played winning a role along with Dilshan. We have to read the opponents as well as our performance and will go better prepared this time to avoid further damage.”

Cheema added that despite the huge loss, the team was not panicking and remained motivated to win the series. He also saw positive for his team as Colombo will be hosting the rest of three matches.

“Although our players are professionals, they are glad to be here in Colombo as we won’t need to travel any more.”

Sami likely to be fit

Mohammad Sami, who missed the second game due to a thumb injury, was likely to be back for tomorrow’s match. Former captain Shahid Afridi was also forced to sit out the practice session due to fever and food poisoning but, according to the team manager, the all-rounder  will be available for the match tomorrow.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12^th, 2012.