Captain blames controversies for series-loss

Afridi rues off-field matters, Smith lauds winning spirit as tourists take series 3-2.

DUBAI: In an anti-climax to what had been a thrilling series thus-far, Pakistan’s momentum, confidence and fire-power counted for nothing as the hosts, in the decisive match, succumbed to their seventh successive series-loss courtesy a 57-run defeat against South Africa on Monday.

With captain Shahid Afridi yet to win a series or tournament following his appointment prior to the 2010 World Twenty20, he was quick to blame off-field controversies as the proving factor behind Pakistan’s inability to seal the results in their favour.

“We’ve been trying to shape the team leading up to the World Cup but all these problems have hindered our progress,” said Afridi. “I hope whatever the problems are, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council should meet up and resolve everything so that no such problems surface during future tours. We need to work towards building a good side .”

Following a spate of allegations in England, Pakistan went into the fifth and deciding One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa in the backdrop of the mysterious disappearance of wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider. “These things are affecting the team for sure but I hope it will be sorted out,” said Afridi who, after resorting to senior players urged improvements in key areas  while rating his own performance as ‘average’.

“After a critical analysis of the way we played all the matches that went very close, I think there are a lot of things we need to improve on, especially fielding and fitness. We need to look at our batting as well, especially in the middle overs and we need good openers at the top.

“The positive thing that I see is that we didn’t take pressure and every game, despite losing, we kept trying to motivate ourselves. We didn’t get off to a decent start regularly, bowled poorly at times, but in the last 15 overs, we had good control of the game.

“We have one more series against New Zealand before the World Cup, so we must step up before the big event.”

Smith pleased with progress

South Africa captain Graeme Smith was pleased with his side’s progress ahead of next year’s World Cup after clinching the series-win.

“For me, the steps from where we were in the winter to where we are now, I think we’ve taken some big steps forward, which is good. We’re not predicting anything on the World Cup, there is a lot of cricket left. Several guys made their debut against Pakistan in the series and I think there has been lots of positives in the series.”

The performers

Abdul Razzaq: 109 was one of the most devastating knocks in ODIs which allowed Pakistan to square the series 1-1. Despite his meek efforts with the ball, and the lack of confidence shown in his ability with that, Razzaq remained Pakistan’s man of the tournament, outshining his captain and even the batsmen in the squad

Shoaib Akhtar:  10  dismissals in hot and sweltering conditions for a 35-year-old playing seven consecutive matches is no mean feat. Adamant to stake his claim in the World Cup-bound squad, Akhtar, despite the brutality received in the deciding ODI, looked Pakistan’s best hopes of a breakthrough early on.

The let-downs

Shahid Afridi:  49  was the highest score the captain scored in the series out of his aggregate of 110. He also took six wickets in five matches but his refusal to mend his attacking ways, especially when his mere presence is required in the middle, meant Pakistan came out second best in the series as it looked to the captain for inspiration.

Saeed Ajmal:  2  wickets in three matches effectively sealed Ajmal’s fate despite impressive shows in the UAE on past visits. With the part-timer preferred to Ajmal early on in the innings, Ajmal was often left without completing his quota and his inability to get bat on ball during the chase prompted the team management to draft in Abdur Rehman instead.

(With additional input from AFP)

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2010.