Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez said the team’s heaviest defeat in Twenty20 internationals – a 94-run thrashing at the hands of Australia in the final match after having already claimed the series – was a wake-up call ahead of the World Twenty20.
After a comfortable win in the opening encounter followed by a nervy victory in the second, Pakistan were humiliated on Monday, shot out for their lowest total of 74 in the format. Earlier, the bowlers were able to contain Australia after openers David Warner and Shane Watson had given them a flying start. The pair put on a record 111 inside 11 overs before Pakistan restricted the total to 168 for seven. In their reply, however, they were reduced to 36 for six with the match effectively over.
Hafeez, who was dismissed for nine, was wary of Pakistan’s appalling record when they bat second and hoped his side would improve ahead of the mega event in Sri Lanka.
“This defeat is a wake-up call,” said Hafeez. “The way we approached the chase wasn’t good. We didn’t play smart cricket and lost too many wickets in the beginning but credit must be given to Australia.
“They played much better. Our team played well throughout the series and the boys gave it their all. We wanted to win every game and there was no complacency after having won the series. Twenty20 cricket requires you to do the right things at the right time and we didn’t do that [in the final game].
“But we will carry the momentum of winning the series and the victory will boost our morale in the mega event. Though we lost the final match, the players still have that happy feeling of the series-win.”
Hafeez, like most Pakistan captains, also urged the batsmen to ‘take more responsibility’.
“We wanted to bat second before the World Twenty20. We got the chance and the batsmen let us down. There’s a need to improve our energy level when we chase and field. But, unfortunately, we panicked.”
Pakistan batted second in the opening Twenty20 as well but there the bowlers had made the chase much easier.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 12th, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Yes its a wake up calls like many others is past but everybody know that what will happen after this wake call: PCB will turn off the alarm, turn off the lights and will sleep again. Good luck to all fools like us who watch this crazy team in hope that they will show some guts.
Look at Akram & Sami :)
@Spyder: 100% agreed! Junaid Khan & HAMMAD AZAM must be inducted!!!!!! PCB Selector & Chairman Please WAKE UP! We Won Victory not STATS!
India defeated by NZ in India. http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-new-zealand-2012/content/current/story/581768.html What a great victory by NZ. India will suffer the same fate in World T20. BTW, ET failed to report this.
Yes hopefully its a wake up call to drop largely inconsistent performers from the team such as Nazir and Malik. One good performances every 10 games should not warrant an extended run of form in the team. Also, Junaid Khan and Hammad Azam should be included in the line up. If this is done then i am confident team pakistan can bring home the t20 world cup!!