‘Positivity made the difference in Sharjah’

Team manager Moin keen on continuing stint with Pakistan cricket.

KARACHI: Team manager Moin Khan has attributed Pakistan’s stunning success in the Sharjah Test against Sri Lanka to positive mindset and planning.

The former captain revealed that the team management had told captain Misbahul Haq to go for a win in pursuit of the 302-run target set by Sri Lanka on the final day of the third Test.

“The entire team management including myself, head coach Dav Whatmore and bowling coach Mohammad Akram conveyed to Misbah that the batsmen needed to go for a win,” he said.

“We were 0-1 down in the series, but we were not afraid of losing 0-2. Our goal was to win and thankfully the batsmen played brilliantly.”

Moin stated that he and Misbah had developed a mutual respect for each other, and he had asked the captain to promote Sarfraz Ahmed in the batting order which paid off as Sarfaraz scored a crucial 48 to set up the win.

“I had faith in Sarfaraz’s abilities and asked Misbah to consider promoting him, and I’m very happy that he responded.

“Misbah had convinced us about Bilawal Bhatti’s talent. The fast-bowler was given a Test cap in Abu Dhabi and did not let the team down.”

With changes in the team management on the cards following the end of Whatmore’s stint, Moin claimed that he was ready to serve the game in any capacity.

“Cricket is my life. I would be happy to continue serving the Pakistan team in the years ahead,” he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2014.

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