Tour of South Africa: Kamran upbeat ahead of ODI clash

Wicket-keeper confident team will repeat performance in T20 against SA.

KARACHI:

With Pakistan heading towards the final phase of their marathon tour of South Africa – the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series – wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal is hopeful of putting up a good show for his team to end the long sojourn on a high note.

Following their humiliating whitewash in the Test series against South Africa, Pakistan bounced back to outclass the hosts by 95 runs in the second Twenty20 (T20) after the first fixture was washed out and clinched the series. The ODI series will begin with the first tie at Bloemfontein on March 10.

Seasoned Kamran, who has played 143 ODIs for Pakistan, said the team has the potential to do well against the tough home side in the format.

“I am hopeful the team will show a similar display (to that of T20),” said the wicket-keeper. “In South Africa, pitches favour both the bowlers and batsmen.

“The batsmen particularly have a good chance of doing well here. The players just need to play with a positive frame of mind; we are looking forward to repeating our T20 performance in the ODIs.”

The 31-year old has over 400 victims in all formats, but is no more an automatic choice for the team owing to the rise of wicket-keepers like Sarfraz Ahmed and younger brother Adnan Akmal.

Kamran said he never felt undue pressure for retaining his place in the team due to the growing competition.

“I just try to give my best for my team like the others do. I am looking forward to do well for my team in the series.”

‘Batsmen need to be aggressive’

Meanwhile, former pacer Jalaluddin said Pakistan must come out of their Test whitewash disappointment and focus on doing well in the upcoming series.

“The batsmen will be required to play attacking cricket,” said the former fast-bowler, who recorded the first hat-trick in ODIs.

He added both the teams have equal chances of winning the series.

“The return of Shahid Afridi and the Akmal brothers has boosted the team’s confidence. We have Saeed Ajmal in bowling while (Mohammad) Hafeez could also play a vital role.”

Pakistan snatch close win in warmup

Meanwhile, Pakistan secured a thrilling one-wicket win in the final over against a South African Invitation XI in the only warmup match at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Wednesday.

Abdur Rehman (35*) and Junaid Khan (nine not out) put on an unbeaten 28 for the final wicket to steer the team to victory.

Earlier, Invitation made 266 for eight in their 50 overs, with Quinton de Kock being the top scorer with 65.

Captain Stephen Cook (34) and Vaughn van Jaarsveld (36) were the other main scorers. Pakistan spinners Shoaib Malik and Abdur Rehman took a brace each.

None of the Pakistan batsmen reached fifty, with Imran Farhat (40) and Kamran Akmal (47) the most successful batsmen, while fast bowler Hardus Viljoen and leg-spinner Imran Tahir took three wickets apiece.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2013.