The Twenty20 series would be a challenge for both coach Dav Whatmore and captain Mohammad Hafeez, the former having been labeled ‘overrated’ by former players after the 3-0 Test defeat. PHOTO: AFP
Although Pakistan had to endure an embarrassing defeat in the Test series, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema assured the team is determined to improve substantially in the limited-overs series against the high-flying South Africa.
The tourists suffered a whitewash in the Test rubber, and will now play their first of two Twenty20 (T20) games against the Proteas in Durban tonight.
Pakistan failed to make their mark in the longest format against the hosts, who clinched the series without facing much resistance from the tourists.
However, the manager insisted the team was fully capable of resurging and despite suffering the Test ordeal, the national team will enter the shortest format with a renewed zeal.
“The players have put the defeat behind now,” Cheema told The Express Tribune from Durban on the eve of the opening T20 fixture.
“We will not dwell on what went wrong in the Tests; that would be done after the tour. At the moment, the team is rearing to give its best in the T20 and One-Day International (ODI) series. We are confident that the team will present a different form than that in the Tests and will give a tough fight to the hosts.”
He said the team was avoiding taking pressure before going into the match.
“We have players who have come fresh to join us,” said Cheema, referring to the nine players including former captains Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik, who arrived in South Africa to participate in the limited-overs series.
“They are highly motivated and their arrival has brought changes to the mood of the team. All of them showed a lot of energy in the training session.”
Junaid fit and available
Meanwhile, the manager allayed doubts over Junaid Khan’s fitness and said the fast bowler has completely recovered from the thigh injury that kept him out of the last two Tests.
“He is completely fit and available,” said Cheema while dismissing speculations that the fast-bowler was suffering from a recurrence of his knee injury.
“Junaid had an accident while riding a water scooter.
“Initially, it was expected that his wounds would take four to five days to heal but it took more than ten days.”
De Villiers wary of Pakistan resurgence
Meanwhile, South Africa T20 captain AB de Villiers warned his team of Pakistan’s possible backlash, saying the tourists will present a different challenge in the shorter formats.
“They are a better team in the shorter versions,” said De Villiers, according to Guardian. “They’ve proved that over many years now. They are quite inconsistent, but they’ve shown that they can be a lot more consistent over the last two years.
“It’s going to be a great series and a great way to challenge ourselves going forward.”
Wahab Riaz
“I am super fit at the moment and in good form. I have a lot to offer. I am desperate to bowl on the surfaces in South Africa. I can bowl fast, and conditions are well suited for me to bowl reverse swing as well.”
AB de Villiers
“Pakistan have shown that they can be a lot more consistent over the last two years. They are a better team in the shorter versions I think it’s a great way for us to challenge ourselves going forward.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 1st, 2013.
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Correction Required: AB Devilliers is not the T20 captain of SA its Faf du plesis.