Jamshed, Ajmal shine in opener
Nasir Jamshed hit a quickfire half-century and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal took four wickets as Pakistan kept their nerve to pull off an exciting 13-run win over New Zealand in the World Twenty20 Group D match yesterday.
Ajmal took four for 30, his fourth four-wicket haul in Twenty20 internationals, as Pakistan restricted New Zealand to 164 for nine after setting them a daunting 178-run target on the back of a career-best 56 by Jamshed at the Pallekele stadium.
Despite the loss, New Zealand qualified for the Super Eights on a superior net run-rate. Pakistan play Bangladesh tomorrow to decide who joins New Zealand in the next round.
Despite a minor scare, Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez said he was confident his bowlers could restrict New Zealand after the batsmen had delivered the goods.
“I was confident that the variety in my bowling attack could defend the total and Ajmal was once again outstanding,” said Hafeez, who contributed 43 and added 76 for the second wicket with Jamshed. “Once we got Brendon McCullum out we were sure of the win and even the runs in the penultimate over didn’t disturb us.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Ross Taylor was critical of his team’s fielding.
“We leaked quite a few runs during the first half of the innings and dropped important catches,” said Taylor. “At one point, I thought we would be chasing a 200-run target but we did well and pulled them back.”
Jamshed praised for winning start
Meanwhile, former coach and chief selector Mohsin Khan praised Jamshed, saying that his innings was the highlight in an overall all-round performance by the team.
“He dominated the bowlers right from the first delivery he faced,” said Mohsin. “He played calculated shots and it was an excellent innings that boosted the team.”
The former opening batsman, however, advised the team management to have Jamshed open the innings in their next match.
“He is a genuine opener and should open the innings. Hafeez can come down the order to pave way for him.”
Mohsin also expressed delight on Shahid Afridi’s performance which showed significant signs of improvement.
“Afridi’s body language was positive and he showed improvement both with bat and ball. The all-rounder’s form is crucial for the team and he will be important in the later stages of the tournament.”
The former coach was also satisfied with the team’s bowling performance. “Ajmal was outstanding while Hafeez and Afridi also contained the batters well. Pakistan team has a good combination and this increases their chances. The team should also work to overcome their weaknesses like the fielding, which was not up to the mark in the first game.” (with additional input from AFP)
Taylor
“We leaked a few runs during the first half of the innings and dropped important catches. I thought we would be chasing a 200 run target but we did well and pulled them back.”
Hafeez
“I was confident that the variety in my bowling could defend the total and Ajmal was outstanding. When we got Brendon McCullum out we were sure of the win.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2012.
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What a find Nasir Jamshed is! There is something about him that is remniscent of the great Inzamam. Together with Hafeez, they have the potential of forming the best opening pair in the game!