We’re on track for a good show, says team manager

Cheema says series will be tough but preparations will help players counter that.

KARACHI: Pakistan manager Naved Akram Cheema has said the team’s preparations were on track for the upcoming limited-overs series against India and hoped for a good show from his side.

“A series against India is always tough,” Cheema told reporters in Lahore. “We’re preparing accordingly and giving the best preparation to the players. Extensive training has been given to players so that they can fight in any circumstances. The team is in high spirit and we are looking forward to a good performance.”

‘Limited off-field activities in India’

Meanwhile, the manager added that the players will not be allowed free movement for private parties while in India as the team management strives to avoid any sort of controversy.

“The players will not be given permission for private parties. The players will only be allowed to attend official functions.”

Haris given six-day rest

Meanwhile, young batsman Haris Sohail escaped major injury following a twisted left ankle during practice session last week.

The left-handed batsman, yet to launch his international career, underwent scans on the injury which revealed a minor strain.

“He has just been advised six-day rest,” a PCB spokesperson told The Express Tribune. “Sohail will be fit before the tour and will travel with the team.”

The Sialkot batsman is part of Pakistan’s 50-over squad that will play a three-match series against India.

Younus, Afridi sizzle in warm-up

Former captains Younus Khan and Shahid Afridi hit sparkling half-centuries for their sides in the first 50-over practice match that saw Pakistan Blue claiming a narrow one-wicket win over Pakistan Green at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore.

Pakistan Green, which mainly comprised players picked for the ODI series, scored 249 for nine off its quota with Younus smashing 96 off 105 balls including seven fours and a six. Umar Akmal scored an unbeaten 40 while captain Misbahul Haq scored 26. Mohammad Irfan and Zulfiqar Babar took two wickets each while Shoaib Malik, Anwar Ali and Afridi took a wicket each.

In reply, Pakistan Blue, led by Malik, reached the target with just three balls to spare. Afridi, who was dropped from the ODI squad, showed signs of form with a 40-ball 52 that included four boundaries and a couple of sixes. Babar Azam was the top scorer with an unbeaten 60 while Ahmed Shahzad (47) and Kamran Akmal (41) were the other main scorers.

Saeed Ajmal claimed three while Younus took two wicket’s for Pakistan Green.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2012.