Sarfraz wants batsmen to raise their game
abu dhabi — The one-dayers have returned and so have Pakistan’s problems in the format.
Their 47-run defeat in the first game of the three-match series against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi was their 12th straight loss to the Kiwis. Before the start of the series, Sarfraz Ahmed had spoken to his top-order batsmen on the need of spending time on the wicket and building partnerships.
However, chasing New Zealand’s 266 runs, their top-order failed to build partnerships and collapsed against hat trick hero Trent Boult.
Sarfraz did raise hopes with a 103run stand with Imad Wasim but it was more of damage control act. The Pakistan skipper acknowledged that New Zealanders were highly competitive.
“They have an experienced ODI unit, especially their bowling attack hurts opponents a lot. Trent Boult was terrific. It was difficult after losing three wickets to Boult,” he said after the match.
He reiterated the urgent need to fix his top-order quandary.
“If we have to perform well against top teams then top-order batsmen need to click. We will talk to the boys on the importance of not giving away early wickets. The situation would have been different if we hadn’t lost early wickets. When middle-order batsmen are facing the new ball, making comeback into the match becomes difficult. While chasing under lights and with middle-order against the new ball is a difficult situation to survive,” Sarfraz said.
The captain backed Fakhar Zaman, who failed once again.
“He is going through a lean phase. I have full faith in him and hopefully he will soon perform well,” he said.
Sarfraz said chasing 267 runs to win was an achievable target.
Earlier, spinner Shadab Khan (four for 38) and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi (four for 46) had kept New Zealand on a tight leash but at the end the batsmen managed to push the scoring rate.
“The pitch was very good. We had a good chance at 210/7 but some 50-odd runs in last 5-6 overs proved costly. If we had restricted them to 240, the target would have been lot easier,” Sarfraz said.
The skipper said Pakistan will
secure the must-win match on Fri- day and level the series before Dubai ODI on Sunday.
“We will return with better preparations. We will make a good comeback in next matches.”