Newcomers will make a difference: Mir

MURIDKE: Captain Sana Mir has rested high hopes in the newcomers to end Pakistan’s dismal international run as the team left for South Africa for the Women’s Cricket Challenge following a two-week camp in Muridke.

Pakistan, ranked sixth in the world, lost all three matches in the 2010 World Twenty20 in the West Indies - the team’s last international assignment - and will play five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and at least two Twenty20s without several key players including former captain Urooj Mumtaz and strike-bowler Qanita Jalil.

“Obviously we’ll miss the experienced individuals but we’re hopeful that the new faces, who haven’t experienced winning or losing yet, can provide us with a change in fortunes,” Mir told The Express Tribune. “The lack of exposure can actually be a good thing since our opponents are oblivious to their style and potential and we can capitalise on that.”

With the tournament comprising teams ranked fifth to 10th in the world, every match will carry points hence rewarding performing teams with an improved place in the table. Mir, aware of the Pakistan’s lack of experience and limitations, has set the team an aim of not falling below eighth when they leave South Africa.

“Right now, I won’t go big with statements and aims. If we can finish on eighth after the tournament, I’ll be really satisfied. Losing constantly can get really frustrating, especially when you’ve performed as an individual but as a player, the only thing that sport teaches us is to stand up again. And that’s what I’m telling the team.”

Pakistan will play its first match of the tour against Ireland on Wednesday.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2010.