2nd ODI: Bringing in Irfan paid off: Misbah

Pakistan captain pleased with fast-bowler’s show in six-wicket win.

Pakistan’s remarkable six-wicket win in their second One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa was a source of relief for captain Misbahul Haq.

The skipper credited the victory to pacer Mohammad Irfan’s devastating spell that dismissed the top order of the formidable South Africa side.

“The way we started – four wickets in the first 10 overs – that set up the game for us,” said Misbah.

“It is satisfying for us because we really needed this win. It was an attacking move to bring in Irfan and it paid off for us.”

Meanwhile, a dispirited AB de Villiers refused to defend his team’s below-par performance as he praised Pakistan’s strong comeback in the series.

“It was a very disappointing performance, Pakistan took the initiative early on and bowled very well,” said the home team’s captain. “There are no excuses; we just didn’t play well today. They controlled the game and did it easily in the end.”

Teams look to take the lead today

The teams head into the third ODI today with the series level at 1-1 after South Africa had breezed to a 125-run victory in the first match in Bloemfontein last weekend.

With Irfan in doubt with a hamstring injury, it will fall to Umar Gul to lead the Pakistan attack once again. Gul has only had one impressive performance on tour, his explosive 5 for 6 in the Twenty20.

“With the fielding restrictions, you need to pick wickets,” said Misbah. “Additionally, every batsman needs to go and get some big knocks. We really need to show some responsibility and just go on.”

Irfan took four wickets for 33 to help restrict the Proteas for 191. Pakistan then achieved the target with more than four overs to spare in a game that had been reduced to 44 per side by a rain delay.

Misbah shared a match-winning unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 77 with Shoaib Malik (35 not out) as the pair showed patience and then blasted their way to victory.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2013.