One eye on Champions Trophy qualification, says Azhar Ali
Pakistan seek series win ahead of second ODI against Zimbabwe .
Although Pakistan will remain on ninth despite winning the series against Zimbabwe, a loss will put a dent in their prospects of qualifying for the Champions Trophy. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Pakistan ODI skipper Azhar Ali admits that the men in green cannot afford to lose a single match against Zimbabwe as it could affect the team’s chances of qualifying for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.
Pakistan will need to be among the top eight teams in the world by September 30 in order to cement their place in the competition which will be played in England. The side is currently ninth, their worst standing to date.
They will remain in the same position even if they win the ongoing three-match series and will then be required to beat Sri Lanka in a comprehensive manner over a stretch of five one-dayers to have any chance of progressing.
While a win against Zimbabwe will not make any significant impact, a loss will certainly dent Pakistan’s prospects.
“We know that every match is important for us and we can’t afford to lose as the Champions Trophy qualification is at stake,” said Azhar during the press conference in Lahore on Thursday.
“It is certainly on our minds that we cannot be complacent and the series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka remain of immense importance. Despite the pressure, we will try to remain positive and do our best to succeed.”
On another note, the captain defended Pakistan’s letdown in the bowling department, saying it was not easy to bowl in the first ODI as the ball got wet due to the presence of heavy dew.
“Batting has been wonderful so far but our bowling has struggled due to batting-friendly pitches which has given bowlers a tough time with their execution. However, we will look to overcome the tough conditions and do better in the next two games.”
Pakistan played one too many all-rounders in the first match and frontline bowler Junaid Khan was limited to the sidelines. When asked whether this played a role in their failure to bowl well Azhar replied: “There were plenty of bowling options available but the management is trying to groom all-rounders as they had previously been missed.”
The skipper also backed Mohammad Sami, explaining that the pacer bowled brilliantly with the new ball but struggled in the latter part of the innings while adding that both Anwar Ali and Hammad Azam did well too but were unlucky to concede too many runs on the inside and outside edges.
We can still beat Pakistan: Masakadza
Zimbabwe will be missing their in-form skipper Elton Chigumbura after he was suspended for the remaining two matches due to a slow over-rate. Hamilton Masakadza will be the stand-in captain in his place.
Azhar said that Chigumbura’s absence will certainly be felt by Zimbabwe, who are currently going through a purple patch with the losses. However, Pakistan will try to cease this advantage and maintain their winning momentum.
Meanwhile, Masakadza termed the suspension a loss on two fronts. “It’s a loss on both fronts for Zimbabwe; to not to have Elton as a batsman and to not have his leadership skills for the next two one-dayers.
“But I feel our team still has the capability of coming back and beating Pakistan,” he said, while adding that they had been in plenty of good positions to win but were unable to finish off the matches.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2015.
Pakistan ODI skipper Azhar Ali admits that the men in green cannot afford to lose a single match against Zimbabwe as it could affect the team’s chances of qualifying for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.
Pakistan will need to be among the top eight teams in the world by September 30 in order to cement their place in the competition which will be played in England. The side is currently ninth, their worst standing to date.
They will remain in the same position even if they win the ongoing three-match series and will then be required to beat Sri Lanka in a comprehensive manner over a stretch of five one-dayers to have any chance of progressing.
While a win against Zimbabwe will not make any significant impact, a loss will certainly dent Pakistan’s prospects.
“We know that every match is important for us and we can’t afford to lose as the Champions Trophy qualification is at stake,” said Azhar during the press conference in Lahore on Thursday.
“It is certainly on our minds that we cannot be complacent and the series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka remain of immense importance. Despite the pressure, we will try to remain positive and do our best to succeed.”
On another note, the captain defended Pakistan’s letdown in the bowling department, saying it was not easy to bowl in the first ODI as the ball got wet due to the presence of heavy dew.
“Batting has been wonderful so far but our bowling has struggled due to batting-friendly pitches which has given bowlers a tough time with their execution. However, we will look to overcome the tough conditions and do better in the next two games.”
Pakistan played one too many all-rounders in the first match and frontline bowler Junaid Khan was limited to the sidelines. When asked whether this played a role in their failure to bowl well Azhar replied: “There were plenty of bowling options available but the management is trying to groom all-rounders as they had previously been missed.”
The skipper also backed Mohammad Sami, explaining that the pacer bowled brilliantly with the new ball but struggled in the latter part of the innings while adding that both Anwar Ali and Hammad Azam did well too but were unlucky to concede too many runs on the inside and outside edges.
We can still beat Pakistan: Masakadza
Zimbabwe will be missing their in-form skipper Elton Chigumbura after he was suspended for the remaining two matches due to a slow over-rate. Hamilton Masakadza will be the stand-in captain in his place.
Azhar said that Chigumbura’s absence will certainly be felt by Zimbabwe, who are currently going through a purple patch with the losses. However, Pakistan will try to cease this advantage and maintain their winning momentum.
Meanwhile, Masakadza termed the suspension a loss on two fronts. “It’s a loss on both fronts for Zimbabwe; to not to have Elton as a batsman and to not have his leadership skills for the next two one-dayers.
“But I feel our team still has the capability of coming back and beating Pakistan,” he said, while adding that they had been in plenty of good positions to win but were unable to finish off the matches.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2015.