South Africa series: Shocked Pakistan aim for recovery

Misbah urges team to show responsibility ahead of second ODI in Dubai today.

KARACHI:

Pakistan are hoping to forget the nightmare of Sharjah as they look to level the five-match One-Day International series by winning the second game that will be played at the Dubai International Stadium today. 

With the team having little time to lick wounds of the lost triumph in the opening fixture, captain Misbahul Haq has issued a rallying cry to his troops, urging them to focus on the matches ahead.

For a major part of the game, it looked like easy sailing for Pakistan, but a sudden collapse – six wickets within the span of 17 runs – handed South Africa a surprise one-run victory as the homes side failed to achieve a mere 184-run target.  The onslaught by the bowlers including Saeed Ajmal’s four-for went in vain.

When Misbah was dismissed by Wayne Parnell, Pakistan needed just 49 runs off 85 deliveries, but with 165 runs on the board, Umar Amin’s wicket off a thin edge from a Lonwabo Tsotsobe delivery heralded the start of collapse.



“I am also wondering what went wrong,” said Misbah while expressing his disappointment. “I can’t understand how many runs should be given to the last five to six batsmen so that they can score.

“We didn’t realise the situation in the end and played irresponsibly. The team has been losing too often from such situations and our players still haven’t learnt how to handle them.”

The captain added that the quick wickets of the lower middle-order deprived Pakistan of the win.

“The wickets of Umar Akmal and Amin were crucial. After that, it was Shahid Afridi’s wicket because he was the only batsman left at that stage. We wanted him to stay at the wicket.”

Misbah said that the team must move on and concentrate on the remaining matches.

“Every game is a new game. It will be difficult for us to perform in the next match if we remember the loss.

“Every player will have to think and show responsibility. We will have to quickly rectify our mistakes.”

Shehzad heartbroken with defeat

Opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad, who struck an impressive 58, was dejected with the loss.



“My innings can be a self satisfaction but if the team doesn’t win, it hurts,” he said. “It’s cricket, we handed an easy victory but we’ll come back hard.

Shehzad, who hurt his wrist after a severe blow with Faf du Plessis, hoped to be fit enough to play the second game.

“The team doctors are working hard on my fitness and I’m looking forward to play.”

‘South Africa will not give such a chance again’

Former captain Waqar Younis said Pakistan missed an easy chance to take early advantage in the series.

“It wasn’t a big surprise because it did not happen for the first time,” said Younis. “But Pakistan need to think why it happened. It was a bad performance and the team will have to play sensibly in the next match.

“South Africa will not give such an easy opportunity in the remaining matches.”

Meanwhile, former coach Mohsin Khan questioned the selection of the final XI.

“Asad Shafiq should have been included in the playing team,” he said. “Secondly, Sarfraz Ahmed, who is a regular wicket-keeper, should also have been selected.”

Mohsin added that the batsmen need to show responsibility if Pakistan are to make a comeback in the series.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2013.

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