Pakistan will show no leniency in ODIs: Moin

Target is to win series against Zimbabwe whilst testing youngsters, says manager.

KARACHI: Spurred with a 2-0 Twenty20 series win, Pakistan will now look to dominate the three-match One Day International (ODI) series, under the leadership of captain Misbahul Haq, starting in Harare today.

Pakistan faced minimal resistance in defeating the hosts in the Twenty20s last week, securing the two matches by 25 and 19 runs respectively.

They will now start as favourites in the 50-over format as Zimbabwe have failed to exploit their home advantage against Pakistan in the past as well. The tourists enjoy an emphatic lead over the hosts, having won 12 of their previous encounters against Zimbabwe — the latter have only two wins and a tied match to their name. One match ended without result.

Further improvement can be expected from the visiting team after the return of their Test and ODI captain Misbah, who is in excellent batting form that started with the Champions Trophy. Out of eight games, he has scored a total of 433 runs at an average of over 72, including six half-centuries.

Apart from Misbah, middle-order batman Asad Shafiq and left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman have been added to the squad.

Ahmed Shehzad, the man of Twenty20 series with 168 runs, will also be looking to prove his form in the one-dayers.



‘Team is focused on winning’

Pakistan was given a rest day on Sunday, but the team underwent a training session yesterday ahead of the opening game.

Pakistan manager and former captain Moin Khan hinted at showing no leniency towards the home side, but he avoided expressing resolve for a clean sweep.

“We are here to win the series and we will aim for that,” the manager told The Express Tribune from Harare on the eve of the first ODI. “Every ODI game is important and the team will definitely give its best. The return of Misbah is a boost. The team is focused and is eyeing to give a repeat of the Twenty20 series.”

Moin, who is also heading the tour selection committee, stated that the team management would give the youngsters a chance to perform.

“Like the Twenty20 games, we will definitely utilise the youngsters as they played well earlier.”

Fast-bowler Anwar Ali, looking to become an all-rounder, may be given an ODI debut, while young players such as Haris Sohail, Umar Amin and Asad Ali are also likely to be given the opportunity to play.

Wasim predicts easy win in series

Former captain Wasim Akram predicted an easy ride for Pakistan in the ODI series.

“Pakistan will win the matches in one-sided affairs just as they did in the Twenty20 games,” said the former captain.

“It is a useful tour as the team is getting good practice ahead of big series [South Africa and Sri Lanka].”

‘No issues with team management’

Moin said he was adjusting well within the team management and negated any impression of indifference with the captain.

Whispers have started making rounds that Moin was dictating terms while indicating that Misbah had complained regarding his snub during the selection process, seeking Moin’s job description from top board’s officials.

“It is Misbah’s right if he has done that,” said the manager on a positive note.

“Misbah is a sensible person and a good captain. I don’t have any issues with him or with any other team official. I am getting along well with them so far.”  

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2013.

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