‘We’ll try to win final ODI’
dubai — Pakistan may well have lost the ODI series against South Africa, but the revelation of debutant centurion Sohaib Maqsood has given Pakistan cricket something to cheer about.
Maqsood’s entertaining knock and his 88-run partnership with captain Misbahul Haq nearly pulled it off for Pakistan, if not for the lower-order harakiri.
“It was a good inning but not good enough to win the match for Pakistan. I would have liked to guide Pakistan to victory,” said Maqsood.
“I would like to build on this start and perform well in my next matches. After a good start people expect better performance from you and I will try hard to meet the expectations,” he added.
Pakistan will play the fifth and final ODI of the series against South Africa at Sharjah Cricket Stadium holds the Guinness Book of World Records holder on Monday.
When asked about Pakistan’s chances in Sharjah, Maqssod who scored 56 in Abu Dhabi, said: “It is unfortunate we have lost oneday internationals series but the final match in Sharjah is very important for us.
“We will try to win the match and go into Twenty20 series in high spirits. It is an international game and we will try to perform well.
“We have lost some close matches but the boys have the will and capacity to make a comeback.”
Sohaib is being compared to Pakistani batting legend Inzamaul Haq for his style. Coincidentally, Maqsood is also from Multan (Pun- jab) and plays for the same club.
“It is really flabbergasting for me when people compare me with a great player like Inzamam. It also brings a lot of pressure because to reach that standard will be a mountain to climb.
“It might be too early to make a comparison like this but I will try my best to follow the footsteps of Multan’s great son. It is my wish to serve Pakistan as long as possible.
“I met Inzamam during the camp in Lahore and felt great after he shared his cricketing knowledge with me.”
After Sharjah’s one-dayer Pakistan are up against South Africa in two Twenty20 matches which will be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
When asked about Pakistan’s chances in T20 series, Sohaib said: “Pakistan are considered a good T20 side. The team is ranked second in T20 format and we have players who are suited to this form of cricket.
“I hope there will be entertainment for the spectators in the T20 series in Dubai.”