Pakistan face Afghanistan in crucial encounter
Defending champions’ on rocky road following defeat in opener.
Misbahul Haq’s dismissal tilted the first match towards Sri Lanka, after Pakistan were firmly on course for a win. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan’s narrow loss in the opening Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka has rocked their title defence hopes.
However, Misbahul Haq’s men have a chance to redeem themselves with a big win against minnows Afghanistan, whom they play in their second match on Thursday. The consequence of a shock defeat though will virtually end Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the final of the five-nation tournament.
Afghanistan are making their maiden appearance in the continental event; they were soundly beaten by Pakistan in their only One Day International against the neighbours in 2012.
Shahid Afridi was the star on that occasion claiming a five-wicket haul to ensure a comfortable victory for the men in green in the one-off match played in Sharjah.
‘We should have won the game’
Misbah felt his team should have succeeded in their first match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Pakistan were on their way to a comfortable win, when Umar Akmal and Misbah were involved in a stroke-filled 121- run stand.
Akmal perished for 74 while a few balls later Misbah departed for 73. And with this, the lower-order failed to follow suit to keep out Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga, who snared five wickets in the innings.
“We had six wickets in hand and we should have won this game,” said Misbah after the match. “There was nothing in the wicket for the bowlers and this total should have been chased.”
Misbah further stated that he was disappointed by the loss considering his team had been in sound position during his stand with Akmal.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews praised the performance of his star bowler Malinga, who showed his prowess towards the end of the innings as his team pulled off a sensational 12-run win.
Mathews also took into account the performance of his opening batsman Lahiru Thirimanne, who scored a ton in Sri Lanka’s innings.
“I still think we were 20 runs short considering the start Thirimanne and Sangakkara gave us,” said the Sri Lankan captain. “But in the past we’ve won close games and it was good to come out on top again.
“Malinga has been our best bowler for the past few years. He is our go-to man whenever we are under pressure and he did it again.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 27th, 2014.
However, Misbahul Haq’s men have a chance to redeem themselves with a big win against minnows Afghanistan, whom they play in their second match on Thursday. The consequence of a shock defeat though will virtually end Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the final of the five-nation tournament.
Afghanistan are making their maiden appearance in the continental event; they were soundly beaten by Pakistan in their only One Day International against the neighbours in 2012.
Shahid Afridi was the star on that occasion claiming a five-wicket haul to ensure a comfortable victory for the men in green in the one-off match played in Sharjah.
‘We should have won the game’
Misbah felt his team should have succeeded in their first match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Pakistan were on their way to a comfortable win, when Umar Akmal and Misbah were involved in a stroke-filled 121- run stand.
Akmal perished for 74 while a few balls later Misbah departed for 73. And with this, the lower-order failed to follow suit to keep out Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga, who snared five wickets in the innings.
“We had six wickets in hand and we should have won this game,” said Misbah after the match. “There was nothing in the wicket for the bowlers and this total should have been chased.”
Misbah further stated that he was disappointed by the loss considering his team had been in sound position during his stand with Akmal.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews praised the performance of his star bowler Malinga, who showed his prowess towards the end of the innings as his team pulled off a sensational 12-run win.
Mathews also took into account the performance of his opening batsman Lahiru Thirimanne, who scored a ton in Sri Lanka’s innings.
“I still think we were 20 runs short considering the start Thirimanne and Sangakkara gave us,” said the Sri Lankan captain. “But in the past we’ve won close games and it was good to come out on top again.
“Malinga has been our best bowler for the past few years. He is our go-to man whenever we are under pressure and he did it again.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 27th, 2014.