ICC Champions Trophy: Misbah’s form a good omen, says Qasim

PCB chief selector confident of Pakistan’s chances.

KARACHI:

Despite critics downplaying Pakistan’s chances at the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy owing to the team’s fragile batting line-up, Iqbal Qasim is optimistic that the side has all the ingredients to stun any opposition in the last edition of the event.  

While the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chief selector agreed that several players lack experience, Qasim said that the balanced team combination can earn desirable results by playing up to its potential.

The former cricketer termed captain Misbahul Haq as the team’s mainstay, adding that the 39-year-old’s renewed batting confidence was a good omen for the team.



Misbah is currently experiencing a phenomenal run after struggling in the series against Sri Lanka, Australia and India in which he scored only 289 runs from 11 matches at an average of just over 30.

Since then, the veteran batsman has scored 334 runs from eight matches, including an impressive run in the five-match series in South Africa.

Apart from averaging over 55 in One-Day Internationals in that period, Misbah was also the top-scorer in the domestic Super Eight Twenty20 event, besides finishing amongst the highest run-getters in the President’s Cup.

“An in-form captain is always a good sign for any team,” Qasim told The Express Tribune. “Misbah has been playing well. His current performance is not only beneficial for the team but is also a confidence booster for the younger players.

“The middle-order has a huge responsibility in this event and if Misbah maintains his form it will be a big helping hand. I will suggest him to continue with his natural style of batting which is giving him good results.”

‘Can’t depend on individuals alone’

Despite singling out Misbah as the team’s mainstay, Qasim warned against depending on individual performances in the Champions Trophy.

“We don’t have superstars such as Inzamamul Haq and Wasim Akram in the current lot who have won matches for Pakistan on their own. The team may be balanced but it has many youngsters who do not have sufficient experience. So there is a dire need of a combined effort. Every batsman will have to contribute by chipping in with at least 30 to 35 runs.

“Similarly, every bowler must also play his part by taking a couple of wickets. The team has the potential to do well and if all players contribute, then we would have high chances in the tournament.”

Meanwhile, Qasim was content with the team’s bowling performance during the UK tour so far.

“The bowlers are performing well. The youngsters in the pace attack did well in matches against Ireland.

“I am optimistic they will raise their performance in the Champions Trophy. Besides the fast-bowlers, we also have a formidable spin attack spearheaded by Saeed Ajmal.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2013.