Pakistan will need to outplay Zimbabwe’s confidence in the second One-Day International to keep alive hopes of winning the series. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan started the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series as firm favourites, but the shake-up from Zimbabwe in the opener has put the visitors under pressure as they go into the second ODI in Harare today.
Captain Misbahul Haq’s men must look to avoid mistakes that led to a shocking seven-wicket loss against Zimbabwe, as the latter chased down the target of 245 against a high-profile bowling attack.
The hosts, who were in tatters just a few days ago regarding salary issues, are high in confidence after their 15-year wait to defeat Pakistan in one-dayers ended. Zimbabwe are now aiming to secure their first bilateral series win in 12 years — the 2-1 win over New Zealand being their last triumph.
On the other hand, Pakistan will be looking to hold their nerve and generate a performance good enough to produce victories in the remaining matches after the shock loss drew heavy flak back home.
Misbah admitted that the decision to bat first was a mistake as he had misread the pitch, but other reasons for their defeat could also be found in the analytical reviews that followed the defeat — flaws in team selection, playing with just two fast-bowlers and poor approach by the batsmen.
Changes likely in playing XI
Keeping in view the suggestions, the team management headed by former captain and manager Moin Khan, may include a fast-bowler, either Asad Ali or Anwar Ali, who is still to make his ODI debut.
Left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman, who has been sitting on the sidelines since the Champions Trophy and the West Indies tour, could also be given an opportunity to play if the management opts to drop a batsman.
‘Pakistan will be under pressure’
Former captain Wasim Akram, who had predicted easy sailing for Misbah’s men in the three-match series, said he was surprised with the defeat.
“Zimbabwe and Bangladesh are considered the most average teams because of their record and performance,” said Akram.
“There will be pressure on Pakistan as they lost to a Zimbabwe side which is at its weakest right now.
“I didn’t even know the names of their bowlers. By looking at the approach of our batsmen, it seemed that they [Zimbabwe bowlers] were dropping bombs. ”
The former captain further stated that Pakistan must go into the remaining games with a winning attitude. “Zimbabwe will be very confident after their victory. They will have home advantage too.
“I will suggest Misbah to go into the match with a positive frame of mind. The team also needs to have a good bowling combination — that is more than two fast-bowlers.
Meanwhile, the former captain took a swipe at Nasir Jamshed, telling the batsman to improve his fitness.
“There is a need to bring in discipline, he is young, but his fitness is not up to mark.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 29th, 2013.
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This clearly shows how bare the cupboard is!!! We are clearly not producing world class batsmen and especially the bowlers, who can terrify the international batsmen with their sheer speed.
With an average bowling attack (Saeed Ajmal is also on the wrong side of 30 and his bowling is no more a mystery to even the Zimbabwe batsmen. He is gradually becoming a below average performer like Afridi) and a below average batting, how can we think of competing against the likes of South Africa, England and even Australia?.
We will need to re-look at improving our domestic pitches, increase domestic tournaments (04-05 days) and incentives these domestic matches better. There is no use playing irrelvant 20/20 tournaments. Focus should be Long term and not short term!!!
I hope Misbah would not show leniency again like last time.
Everyone knows Pakistani Team is unpredictable. After a white wash in t20, it was a big upset for Pakistani team losing against Zimbabwe, it could have been different situation, if they did not dropped two catches in the end & miss fielding. Indeed there is should be need of 3rd fast bowler, Anwar ali going to be a good option. Hope for the best for remaining matches.
Most inconsistent team vs most unpredictable team.. interesting match
@Bilal: "Umar Akmal is the difference between this team and the one that won the series in WI. I hope Misbah and PCB would realize that."
True. But the thing is Umer Akmal know this and he also knows how to bargain from his position, which is not only bad for Pakistan but for his own career only. On the other hand, I agree that this is the job of team administration to handle such situations rather than indulging in politics in the themselves.
Umar Akmal is the difference between this team and the one that won the series in WI. I hope Misbah and PCB would realize that.
Only positive change could be to change the captain, but who to lead then :) there is not even a single class batsman in side other than misbah who is a negative captain.