Batting let Pakistan down: Waqar

As Pakistan batting put up yet another miserable show, this time in Abu Dhabi, coach Waqar Younis said the team fell short by at least 25 runs in setting up a challenging total.

Pakistan, who were well-placed at 75 for three in the 10th over, lost six for 24 before Misbahul Haq and Shoaib Akhtar added 20 for the last wicket to help Pakistan reach respectability.

“We scored 25 to 30 runs less than we expected,” said Younis. “We need to bat with strategy in the next game.”

Misbah remained Pakistan’s top-scorer with an unbeaten 27 despite taking 32 deliveries as Pakistan struggled for runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium - first match to be played by Full Member nations of the International Cricket Council (ICC) at the venue. While Shahid Afridi hit a brief cameo, a seven-ball 25, none of the other batsmen moved past the 14-run mark.

In contrast, JP Duminy hit an elegant 41 while Colin Ingram remained unbeaten on 46 as South Africa reached the target after losing three early wickets for 26.

The two left-handers shared a 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket after fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar gave Pakistan some hope with the quick wickets of Loots Bosman and AB de Villiers in the third over. Graeme Smith was bowled by spinner Mohammad Hafeez five runs later but Duminy and Ingram ensured that there were no further hiccups as they batted Pakistan out of the game.

“It was a clinical performance and I am happy at the way the young guns stepped in after we lost three early wickets especially Ingram and Duminy,” said South Africa captain Botha.

‘Strict steps for Pakistan’s betterment’

Team manager Intikhab Alam insisted that “strict steps” are needed to improve Pakistan’s cricket.

Pakistan introduced a new code of conduct last week with stricter punishments for disciplinary breaches, which Alam said were needed in the wake of the England tour being rocked by spot-fixing allegations against the team.

“All the strict steps taken are for the betterment of Pakistan cricket and all the players are feeling comfortable with them,” said Alam who replaced Yawar Saeed as manager after the England tour, before adding that Pakistan cricket will show signs of improvement - on and off the field.

“With players reminded of their responsibilities we hope that Pakistan cricket will show signs of improvement both on and off the field and the focus should be to do the best for the country.

“There is no curb on players’ movement as dispelled in certain quarters. They have been asked not to go anywhere on match days and they are not allowed to bring any guest to their team hotel. But on off days, they can go and meet their relatives but we have told them not to meet any strangers. Players are told to live within the rules of the new code of conduct,” said Alam.(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM AFP)

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2010.