Pakistan need encouragement

The return of an undercooked Saeed Ajmal, however, once again exposed the weakness of PCB coaching and selection staff

Bangladesh were never going to be pushovers, especially after their spirited World Cup performance, but few could have predicted the hammerings that they dished out to a new-look Pakistan in the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series between the teams. After a 16-year wait, Bangladesh have pulled off two successive wins to comfortably seal the three-match ODI series against the Azhar Ali-led Pakistan consisting of youngsters and players returning to the rigours of international cricket after long lay-offs. The hosts rattled an imposing score in the first ODI before making light work of Pakistan’s below par effort with the bat on April 19.

Batting continues to be the national team’s Achilles’ heel. However, it is important that the young batsmen are given time to settle down. Even their predecessors with better pedigree and higher calibre failed to make a sustained impact in recent years. Saad Nasim and Mohammad Rizwan made their presence felt, and their temperament and quick adaption to the demands at the highest level are encouraging. The bowling pack failed to replicate the results attained in comparatively friendlier bowling conditions during the World Cup although Wahab Riaz showed consistency and is one of the bright spots in otherwise drab performances. The return of an undercooked Saeed Ajmal, however, once again exposed the weakness of the PCB coaching and selection staff. With a modified bowling action, the magician now seems short of international quality and one wonders what were the ‘highly skilled’ coaches and selectors thinking before giving the veteran a clean chit for the tour. The other predicaments that continue to haunt are fielding and fitness of the players, with both Haris Sohail and Nasim found wanting in searing heat and humidity. With one match in the series left, it is important that the national team regroups quickly and gives a much improved performance. At the same time, critics and the public should be careful before unleashing criticism against inexperienced players at this difficult time. The road ahead will be rocky and the new captain and team need to be supported.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st,  2015.

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