World T20: Big match, bigger hopes
Do not tinker too much with the combination, warn former cricketers.
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s progress into the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 has also increased the weight of the nation’s hopes but former greats are confident that the momentum gained by beating the Australians will help the side against Sri Lanka.
“This win will give a lot of confidence to the team,” former chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed told The Express Tribune.
“The Australians were playing very good cricket and the massive win against them is a huge positive. Bowling remains our strength and all we need to do is be consistent with our performance without tinkering too much.”
Bowlers crafted big win: Mohsin
Meanwhile, commenting on the triumph over the Australians, former coach Mohsin Khan credited the bowlers.
“All the bowlers bowled superbly,” said Mohsin.
“Pakistan’s performance in the second innings was outstanding. Mohammad Hafeez’s captaincy was also impressive as he was clever in the bowling changes. It wasn’t an easy task against a good Australian batting line-up and the bowlers deserve special praise. Raza Hasan and Saeed Ajmal were phenomenal. The youngster, though, showed a lot of promise and I can say he has a long career ahead.”
Mohsin also praised Nasir Jamshed and Kamran Akmal for their third-wicket partnership but warned against complacency. “It’s a champion team if it plays up to its potential. With this performance, Pakistan have a very good chance in the tournament.”
Former Test cricketer Abdul Qadir echoed Mohsin as he praised the spinners’ show.
“Raza played the most important part in Pakistan’s win,” said Qadir. “He proved his talent and should be included in all three formats.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2012.
Pakistan’s progress into the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 has also increased the weight of the nation’s hopes but former greats are confident that the momentum gained by beating the Australians will help the side against Sri Lanka.
“This win will give a lot of confidence to the team,” former chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed told The Express Tribune.
“The Australians were playing very good cricket and the massive win against them is a huge positive. Bowling remains our strength and all we need to do is be consistent with our performance without tinkering too much.”
Bowlers crafted big win: Mohsin
Meanwhile, commenting on the triumph over the Australians, former coach Mohsin Khan credited the bowlers.
“All the bowlers bowled superbly,” said Mohsin.
“Pakistan’s performance in the second innings was outstanding. Mohammad Hafeez’s captaincy was also impressive as he was clever in the bowling changes. It wasn’t an easy task against a good Australian batting line-up and the bowlers deserve special praise. Raza Hasan and Saeed Ajmal were phenomenal. The youngster, though, showed a lot of promise and I can say he has a long career ahead.”
Mohsin also praised Nasir Jamshed and Kamran Akmal for their third-wicket partnership but warned against complacency. “It’s a champion team if it plays up to its potential. With this performance, Pakistan have a very good chance in the tournament.”
Former Test cricketer Abdul Qadir echoed Mohsin as he praised the spinners’ show.
“Raza played the most important part in Pakistan’s win,” said Qadir. “He proved his talent and should be included in all three formats.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2012.