Twenty20 series: Happy with the way players are responding, says Hafeez
Pakistan won the second Twenty20 against Australia in a thrilling Super Over finish at the Dubai Stadium on Friday, taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with captain Mohammad Hafeez thrilled by the series win.
"It was an exciting finish," said Hafeez. "It was tense, but you know Twenty20 cricket can bring such tense moments. In the end I am happy that we won, even though it was in the Super over. I think we fought well in the 40 overs.
"It's a great sign as captain. I am happy in the way players are responding to me as captain. Everyone is confident and this is a great sign for the team ahead of the World Twenty20. I feel very proud of my team and I hope from here on they will continue also in the mega event."
With both teams tied on 151 at the end of 40 fascinating overs, a Super over round was played for the result. Pakistan chased the 12-run target set by Australia to win the Super over and take the series 2-0.
Bailey surprised by ranking
Meanwhile, Australian skipper George Bailey was left scratching his head as to how his side was now ranked below Ireland in the Twenty20 rankings after the defeat.
"That does not look good but I am still not sure how the rankings work," said Bailey. "So Ireland goes past us when we haven't played Ireland in a T20. If Ireland is a better side than us then I guess it will show in a couple of weeks in Sri Lanka."
The third and last match will be played tomorrow in Dubai.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2012.
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@Saleem it is wrong thinking...Hafeez 's job as a captain is to use best weapons he has at his disposal at the right moment. He has played with Razaq and he knew what kind of bowler he is and Australians had not played him before. Captain should get the blame or glory based on results and after the result of decisions. Hafeez has been super as a t20 captain and has brought back the fighting spirit that was missing in the odis. You are wrong again because when he went to bat in the first over and he batted like a man with a purpose, intent and aggression not a chicken little as you are claiming. He and Nasir set the foundation so Akmal brothers can come and put the sword to the Australians.
@Saleem: dear don't think like way......THINK OUT OF BOX............Abdul Razzaq is most experienced guy than rest of teammates (he has been playing T20 since long) second, Aus's can freely play with used bowlers.......thus it was a brilliant move to go with AR.
Hafeez need to continue this form and captaincy to win world t20 2012.Just maintain this team and go in ground with positive thing,then you will succeed InshahAllah.
Hafeez made the most intelligent move by giving Abdul Razak the last over. If Abdul Razak delivers then it is his brilliant captaincy (as we are all witnessing now). If Australia scores then Abdul Razak gets the blame. Hafeez being the highest ranked bowler in ODI chickens out of bowling the last over of the game at the most crucial time and gives to a bowler who did not bowl a single delivery in the previous match or in the first 39 overs of this match.