Pakistan target big win over Bangladesh

All eyes on run-rate, team management tells players to fire on all cylinders .

KARACHI: Unfazed by the flag ban imposed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Pakistan are eyeing a convincing victory over the hosts in Sunday’s game in order to improve their chances for a place in the World Twenty20 semi-finals.  

Even three victories from four matches will not guarantee the team a spot in the last-four from Group Two, billed as the ‘group of death’. However, two defeats will almost force the side towards an early exit.

India are currently heading the group with wins over Pakistan and defending champions, the West Indies. The MS Dhoni-led side seems set to advance to the semi-final stage as they are yet to meet Bangladesh – the weakest team in the pool – along with Australia.

Pakistan are behind the West Indies on the basis of their respective net run-rates (NRR), with both teams having secured a victory each from their two matches played so far.

“The team management is aware that the situation may get tougher,” said an official close to the team management.

“We are in a must-win situation in both our remaining games. A victory with a big margin over Bangladesh can help improve our run-rate and the team is aiming for that.

“The players have been told that they have to be at their best in the extremely crucial upcoming game.”

Team officials hopeful of Akmal’s recovery

The team management stated that they were hopeful of Umar Akmal’s complete recovery from a hamstring injury. The middle-order batsman had to sit out all the training sessions after his fiery knock against Australia last Sunday.

“Akmal was rested because the team management did not want to take any risks,” said the official, before adding that the batsman was likely to take part in remaining training sessions.

Pakistan took rest from training on Thursday but the team management was planning a couple of extensive sessions on Friday and Saturday, ahead of the Bangladesh game.

Gul wants to do more

Fast-bowler Umar Gul said he wanted to contribute more for the team.

“I never get satisfied with my performance,” said Gul, who recorded impressive figures of two for 29 in the high-scoring thriller against Australia.

“I am feeling comfortable now. I struggled in the Asia Cup as it’s not easy to regain rhythm after missing action of several months due to an injury.

“I want to contribute more for my team and I am much more confident.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2014.

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