Pakistan look to turn tide

Injured Razzaq, Malik to miss South Africa tour, Misbah reposes faith on team.

KARACHI:

After five consecutive defeats in the UAE, Pakistan will now face ruthless South Africa on their home turf in Johannesburg for the opening of the two Twenty20 games today, hoping to reverse their fortunes.

However, luck does not seem to be in their favour as the visitors suffered an all-round jolt with experienced players Abdul Razzaq and Shoaib Malik bowing out of the tour due to injuries on the eve of the opening match.

Pakistan have already lost in-form pacer Mohammad Irfan due to injury, who could have played a vital role in the comparatively favourable tracks for bowlers in South Africa.



According to a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official, Razzaq suffered a hamstring injury during a practice session on Monday, while Malik’s finger injury during the last Twenty20 in Dubai ‘aggravated’ due to travel stress. Both were sent home immediately.

“The decision was taken by the team management after consultation with the doctors,” the official told The Express Tribune.

“There will be no replacements for the duo. The squad still comprises 15 players and the team management feels they can manage.”

He added that One-Day International (ODI) captain Misbahul Haq, along with batsman Asad Shafiq, will now be in contention for the Twenty20 series.



Both Razzaq and Malik drew heavy flak on their return to the national team following their failure in Dubai, and it remains to be seen if the two will be considered for the limited overs series against Sri Lanka that follows the on-going tour.

Batting solutions needed urgently

Pakistan are desperate to overcome their batting woes after all six defeats during the ODI and Twenty20 series in the UAE came about due to a batting collapse.

A team official hoped for an improved show from the side, while admitting the conditions will be comparatively tougher.

“It’s almost the same squad but we are seeking a fresh start,” said the official. “The players have been told to forget the loss and concentrate all their effort on the upcoming matches in South Africa.”

Pakistan can bounce back any time: Misbah

Misbah and Shafiq left yesterday to join the squad in Johannesburg.

Misbah, speaking prior to his departure, was optimistic about his team’s chances.



“Pakistan can bounce back any time,” said the veteran batsman.

“The reason for the current slump is that four to five of our batsmen are struggling. These include both junior and senior players who are going through a lean patch this year.

“We need one good match. If we manage to score runs in the series then we will have a very good chance to win.”

Misbah added that South Africa will have the added advantage of home conditions.

“But we also did well against them on our last tour earlier this year. We played a good ODI series against them and were 2-2 at one stage.”

However, the captain felt Irfan’s absence has become a challenge for other fast-bowlers.

“Irfan will be missed because he performed well against South Africa. Now the other fast-bowlers have to prove themselves without him.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2013.

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