Misbahul Haq has called for an all-round show from his side in the One-Day International series against India, knowing that the opponents will be geared up for a fightback following the humiliation against England in the recent Test series.
“India will try to give a better performance to cover their defeat against England and, with that in mind, we have to work very hard,” said Misbah.
“No team can win by depending solely on a single player or working on just one department. Both bowling and batting will have to play their role. Saeed Ajmal will be our trump card as always but I think it’s not fair to depend on him only. Every bowler has a role to play against a strong Indian batting line-up.”
The captain expected a good show from pacer Mohammad Irfan, saying the bowler could create problems for India.
“Pakistan-India matches will remain pressure games because of high expectations. They key for us will be to play normal cricket and take them as any other opponents.”
Misbah pleased with Afridi
Meanwhile, Misbah hinted that Shahid Afridi, who was dropped from the ODI squad, might be retained subject to his performance in the two Twenty20 matches.
He also hailed the decision of appointing former captain Inzamamul Haq as batting consultant.
“Inzamam is helping us to prepare for different circumstances against India.”
Azhar, Hafeez crack centuries practice match
Azhar Ali and Mohammad Hafeez hit centuries in the second 50-over practice game at the Gaddafi Stadium where Pakistan Blues defeated Pakistan Green by 13 runs, making it their second straight victory.
Afridi displayed another explosive knock on the day, smashing 11 boundaries and a couple of sixes to score 90, helping the team to 309 in 48.2 overs. Azhar top scored with exact 100 from 107 balls while Imran Farhat also played well for a handy 34 off 27 deliveries. Ajmal was again the pick of the bowler for Greens with figures of four for 68.
In reply, Green could just score 296 for nine in stipulated overs despite the defiant knock of 114 off 115 from Hafeez.
Change of plans
Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies, which is to take place in July 2013, has the probability of being split into two parts to take into account Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plan of hosting India in August for a series that is yet to be confirmed by both boards.
Pakistan were supposed to play two Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20s in the Caribbean in June and July, but with the proposed change, they will only play either Tests or limited-overs matches in order to host India said the PCB, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Misbahul Haq
“Pakistan-India matches will remain pressure games because of high expectations allround. They key for us will be to play normal cricket against them and take them as any other opponents.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2012.
COMMENTS (4)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@antanu g: Hahaha In your dreams
Lo Jee.. coming from a player who has forgotten to perform for himself! I still believe that Afridi can lead the team in a much more better way than anyone else. WC says it all regardless what so ever one can speculate over what might have happened there... but Afridi.. The man who puts the show together... misbah needs to go more than anybody else.. oh and take hafeez with you - no point of having one who makes a lobby! :)
lets hope this gets posted - touchwood!
GO GREEN TEAM GO AND SHOW THE WORLD U R # 1.