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ARY NEWS

Shahid Hashmi

  • Morgan admits England couldn’t adjust to the pitch

    Morgan admits England couldn’t adjust to the pitch

    CARDIFF: England captain Eoin Morgan believed his team failed to adjust to the used pitch at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff as the title favourites went down by eight wickets in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday.

    England were bowled out for a meager 211 with Hasan Ali taking 3-35, Junaid Khan 2-43 and debutant Rumman Raees 2-44 in a sublime pace bowling on a pitch which was used for a second consecutive match.

    Pakistan romped home in 37.1 overs with Azhar Ali (76) and Fakhar Zaman (57) scoring the bulk of runs.

    Pakistan now meets the winner of second semi-final — between India and Bangladesh at Edgbaston on Thursday– in the final at The Oval on Sunday.

    Morgan admitted the used pitch snatched any home advantage England would have expected..

    “I don’t think there was any home advantage, if that’s what you’re asking. We knew that we were going to play on a used wicket at some stage in this tournament, and certainly we found out the other day that today was going to be on a used wicket,” said Morgan.

    “And having watched the game against Sri Lanka, we actually didn’t think it was that bad. But certainly today it was — coming from Edgbaston, it was obviously a big jump in pace and bounce and too much to ask for us to adjust to really.

    “I don’t think there was any home advantage, if that’s what you’re asking. We knew that we were going to play on a used wicket at some stage in this tournament, and certainly we found out the other day that today was going to be on a used wicket. And having watched the game against Sri Lanka, we actually didn’t think it was that bad.”

    But certainly today it was — coming from Edgbaston, it was obviously a big jump in pace and bounce and too much to ask for us to adjust to really.

    Morgan said not having partnerships let England down.

    “I thought — you know, probably every partnership we had struggled to take, I suppose, initiative to the Pakistan bowlers. I thought they bowled really well. They adjusted to conditions extremely well, and the wicket was obviously slow and low and hard to get away to start with.

    “Every partnership we had started behind the rate, which put us under the pump a little bit and none of our batsmen seemed to get away.”

    Morgan said England batsmen could not hit out when needed.

    “I think it does, and I think Joe Root in a similar vein. You know, he’s normally timing the ball even when he’s in a defensive mindset. The fact that he was quite sluggish at the start — I was as well, and given I’ve been in reasonable form of late, I thought it was quite tough, yeah.

    “Fair credit to Pakistan. They played brilliantly.”

    Morgan denied his team was over confident after winning their first three games and were undefeated in the Group stages.

    “Certainly not, not over confident. We played against some really good sides recently, and we’ve managed to beat them. Certainly, that hasn’t gone to our heads at all.

    “I think going into today’s game knowing that we were going to play on a used wicket potentially brought Pakistan’s game closer to their home. So it was a big challenge and one that was too far for us.”

  • Sarfraz hails unpredictable Pakistan

    Sarfraz hails unpredictable Pakistan

    CARDIFF: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed credited his players, the team staff and the selection committee back home for their surprise qualification for the final of the Champions Trophy, after beating England by eight wickets in the semi-final on Wednesday.

    “After the first loss, we were very down, but all the credit goes to the team management. They boosted up really well for us, and credit goes to the players as well. They were very well motivated. And after that match, everything is on its course to improving — we are bowling well, feeling well, and now today also batting as well. So that’s why credit goes to the bowlers and team management.”

    Sarfraz said his team played well on a pitch used for second match in a row.

    “I think the pitch was very good. It was good for both the teams. I think we played very good. That’s why we won today.”

    Pakistan bowled England out for a paltry 211, which Sarfraz admitted wasn’t expected.

    “Actually, I’was not expecting we will bowl them out for 210. Yesterday we came here, we had a meeting, and we thought, if we won the toss, we will elect to bowl first. And if we restricted them at 260, 270  it would be good. That’s why this target was easy for us.

    Read More: Pakistan thrash England to reach Champions Trophy final

    “Credit goes to the bowlers. They bowled really well, especially in the middle part, starting with Shadab. They bowled really well. They took Joe Root scalp. Then Hassan came in, and he took one wicket. Then Junaid Khan, Rumman Raees contributed.”

    Sarfraz praised the players for lifting their game after a morale-sapping defeat against India.

    “I think, we just talked about — after the India match, we just motivated the guys. Don’t worry about the India match. This is gone. We have two matches. If we played good cricket, definitely we will win this tournament. Now we are in the finals.”

    Sarfraz praised his young players.

    “I’m very happy about my youngsters performing, especially Hassan day by day improving, Shadab day by day improving, and now today Fakhar Zaman, he’s playing in third match, and now he’s batting just like a champion batsman. So I’m really happy about his performance. Hopefully, he will do well In Sha Allah in futures as well.”

     

  • The rise and rise of Hassan Ali

    The rise and rise of Hassan Ali

    CARDIFF: His energy levels are notable, his wicket-taking traits unmatched and his celebration is unique. Hasan Ali has made his mark at international level and is gaining height with every match.

    The 23-year-old is now the highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy 2017 and can finish as the best as Pakistan has reached the final, with a few more scalps waiting for him.

    The event started on a wrong note for the lithe medium pacer as he dropped a catch off Yuvraj Singh who then castigated Pakistan bowling which formed a 124-run drubbing by India in the opening game.

    But as Pakistan bounced back, Hassan became the reason. He dismissed Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy and Wayne Parnell — the last two in one over – to finish with figures of 3-24 in eight overs.

    That helped Pakistan win on Duckworth-Lewis formula.

    Next game was another must-win for Pakistan, a virtual quarter-final against Sri Lanka.

    Hassan was again instrumental in helping Pakistan wrap up Sri Lanka for 236 with figures of 3-43. Pakistan won by three wickets.

    Come the semi-final and everyone was predicting another 300-plus total for hosts and title favorites England. But in the absence of unfit Mohammad Amir, Hassan led the attack with figures of 3-35 in his ten overs – getting Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes in a spell of excellent variation and guile.

    This sums up Hassan’s rise at the international level.

    Hassan was first spotted at the first edition of Pakistan Super League, courtesy former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Akram who had predicted a bright future for Hassan Ali then.

    “Hassan has a bright future,” said Akram after the first Pakistan Super League in 2015.

    “He has variation and the much needed hunger to take wickets. I am sure he will progress by leaps and bound.”

    Three things I liked about Hassan are 1. His wrist position and seem presentation. 2 His Hunger to do well means he is not shy of hard work.He is not scared to try different things and 3. He is a good listener and quick learner. When made him play in first PSL semi final, my words were this is not your destination you need to go much higher because the spark in his eyes was telling me everything,” said Akram.

    Hassan lived up to his mentor’s prediction.

    Akram’s support was not the only thing Hassan was blessed with.

    He received first support at home, in a tiny town of Ludhay Wala, close to Gujranwala. His elder brother Ataur Rehman, a district-level batsman himself, realized the potential in Hassan. At a very young age Hassan was given the needed facilities and the support to take up cricket.

    “Hassan had a passion for cricket and since he was five years old, always used to accompany me to the nearby stadiums when I went to practice,” Rehman said.

    “Then, after a few years, when he was 10 years old, he started to bowl. It was then that I saw his passion for the game and took him to our coach-cum-mentor Ansar Zafar.”

    Rehman used to encourage his younger brother once he was selected for regional team, not even eight to ten hours practice would tire the youngster.

    “The ground and the gym were supposed to be made for Hassan but they are open to all school-going players to practice for free as well,” he said.

    “I have also built four classrooms for high school students, where teachers are available so that the players can study and practice cricket at the same venue.”

    Soon after the inaugural PSL in which he caught the eyes of everyone, Hassan got into recognition with 17 wickets in the 2015 National T20 Cup. His 17 wickets at 17.05 in the National One-Day cup in 2016 was a key part of him being promoted to the Pakistan side.

    That lifted Hassan to Pakistan’s ranks and he has not looked back since.

    Ever since his ODI debut in Ireland last year Hassan has taken 38 wickets (after semi-final) which are the most by any bowler in the world.

    Head coach Mickey Arthur has been a great fan on Hassan.

    “Hassan has shown remarkable progress,” said Arthur. “He works really hard in the nets and does his best to improve with every game.”

    The rise and rise of Hassan continues, but for his sake everyone prays he does not detrack, like Mohammad Zahid, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir did in the recent past.

    Hassan is happy with his progress.

    “I am very happy with my progress,” he said. “I am always told by my elders to work hard and Allah will give reward and that’s what happened.

    “I promise more hard work because it’s an unending process. I love to contribute to team’s cause and wins.”

  • Pakistan coach urges team to be at best to beat England

    Pakistan coach urges team to be at best to beat England

    CARDIFF: Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur urged his team to be at their best to beat the in-form England in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy at Cardiff on Wednesday, realizing the fact that the title favourites hosts are on a roll.

    England have been the only unbeaten side in the tournament with victories of eight wickets over Bangladesh, 87-run win against New Zealand and a 40-run triumph over world champions Australia.

    They have won 11 of their last 12 one-day internationals, a record Arthur is wary of.

    “We know that realistically England are playing unbelievably well,” said Arthur on Tuesday.

    “They’re a really, really good one-day unit with no apparent weaknesses. So we stressed yesterday — at the end of the game when we sat down and had a quick debrief, we stressed that we need to play our best game, and if we play our best game, we can put them under pressure at different points of the game, and then it’s just taking those points, taking those moments, and running with them, like we did this time last year here exactly in Cardiff.”

    Pakistan have been scrappy, having lost by 124 runs to India but bouncing back with 19-run win over South Africa on D-L method and then achieving a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a tense finish.

    Read More: Pakistan hopes Cardiff lucky charm stays in semi-final

    “So hopefully, hopefully we can put our best game together tomorrow, and then who knows?”

    Arthur believed Pakistan were learning how to chase in ODIs.

    “Yeah, so sometimes that’s our strength, that’s our unpredictability. Look, we give the guys clear roles, and the guys know what they need to do. It’s just we do sometimes make it difficult for ourselves. We were probably a little bit soft at times yesterday.

    “But the guys are working extremely hard. We’re evolving as a team. As we’ve said consistently, we’re coming from a base of number 8 in the world. So we’re trying to keep evolving. And wins like we have — like we did yesterday, when you win ugly, you learn a lot about the team. So I guess it gives a lot of confidence. Yeah, a lot of confidence going forward for the players really.”

    Arthur praised new opener Fakhar Zaman who hit 31 in his debut game against South Africa and knocked a 36-ball 50 against Sri Lanka.

    “He’s been fantastic. I guess it’s a breath of fresh air when you see a young player come into the side and take the game on. And the good thing for us is the young players that have come into the side have all come in with a really good spirit. They’ve played well, you know.

    “You look at Fakhar, you look at Fahim, Shadab to a point, Babar, when he came in, Hassan Ali when he came in. So the young guys coming in have taken it as a duck to water, which has been great. They’ve come in with a great attitude. They want to learn. They want to work hard, and we’re getting some results out of them, which is fantastic news.”

    Arthur admitted Pakistan’s middle order is a worry.

    “Look, middle order has been exposed just a little bit. Ideally, we’d like to probably get Sarfraz and Malik maybe in a little bit earlier, but that’s something that we need to discuss. Whether it happens now or whether it happens at the end of this competition will be debated later.”

  • Pakistan hopes Cardiff lucky charm stays in semi-final

    Pakistan hopes Cardiff lucky charm stays in semi-final

    CARDIFF: Pakistan will hope their lucky charm of Cardiff continues as they take on title favourites and hosts England in the first semi-final on Wednesday, having blown hot and cold in the Champions Trophy tournament.

    Pakistan have lived up to their reputations of being “unpredictable” by going down tamely to India by 124 runs in their opening match at Edgbaston but bounced back strongly by knocking world number one South Africa to remain in contention for the last four in Group B.

    It took a brilliant but chancy Sarfraz’s 61 not out and an eighth wicket unbroken stand of 75 with Mohammad Amir (28 not out) to steer them to a three wicket win over Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Monday.

    Pakistan team as well as Sarfraz Ahmed have fond memories of the Sophia Garden ground where they beat England after chasing down a tough 303-run target, with the skipper hitting a brilliant 90 in September last year.

    Sarfraz hoped Cardiff continues to be kind on Pakistan.

    “Yeah, we hope that the lucky charm continues,” said Sarfraz, whose team opted to rest ahead of the semo-final. “Last time we won that match by chasing 300, so definitely our confidence will be very high playing in Cardiff.”

    Sarfraz admitted England will be tough on the field.

    Read More: Sarfraz takes Pakistan to Champions Trophy semi-finals

    “They are playing some good cricket and have changed tremendously since the 2015 World Cup, so we have to be at our best to beat them and reach the final,” said Sarfraz.

    Pakistan have never reached the finals of Champions trophy, losing in semi-finals to New Zealand in 2000 and 2009 and to the West Indies in 2004.

    Pakistan will resist making any change but may consider leg-spinner Shadab Khan in case the conditions are not overcast.

    England will definitely be without out of form opener Jason Roy, making way for Jonny Bairstow.

    Roy did not bat in the nets, suggesting his Champions Trophy is over despite England being comfortable winners in their games — an eight wicket win over Bangladesh, 87 run victory over New Zealand and Duckworth-Lewis 40-run triumph against arch rivals Australia.

    Morgan too believed Cardiff is kind for England, having won six of their 11 ODIs here, with two defeats and three no results.

    “Cardiff’s always been a very good venue for us,” said Morgan. “The last game, we had great support. We had a full house, and everybody seems to get right behind us. So hopefully tomorrow — I think tomorrow is sold out as well. Where is the empty seats?”

    Morgan admitted Pakistan have a strong bowling attack with Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan and Hasan Ali in wicket-taking form.

    “Pakistan are a very strong bowling lineup,” said Morgan. “I suppose they have variation, but certainly we do have plans against all of them. We’ve had plans for the last — since the last series that we played against them, last two series, home and away.”

    Morgan said Cardiff defeat against Pakistan will not be a factor in the semi-final.

    “I think the impact of that series was 4-1. Obviously, the result that came here was disappointing for us. I didn’t think we performed well that day. Pakistan outplayed us.

    “Obviously, on their day, they can beat any team in the world, and you’ve just sort of touched on it, that they have the ability to beat the number 1 ranked side, and on their day, they’re very dangerous.”

    England have won 11 of their last 12 matches at this level and have a balanced and strong unit with Ben Stokes in great form after his hundred against Australia.

    Cardiff weather has relented so expect a cracker of a game with no intervention from the weather.

  • Dropped catches cost us the match, rues Mathews

    Dropped catches cost us the match, rues Mathews

    CARDIFF: Sri Lankan captain regretted three dropped catches let his team down in a crucial must-win game against Pakistan at Cardiff, losing by three wickets in a tense finish on Monday.

    Chasing 237 to win Pakistan were down and out at 162-7 but Sarfraz Ahmed (61 not out) and Mohammad Amir (28 not out) played out of their skins during a match turning 75-run unbroken stand for the eighth wicket.

    But Sarfraz was lucky to get two lives, first when on 38 he lobbed a catch to mid-on where an experienced Thisara Prera grassed an easy catch off Lasith Malinga.

    Two runs later Sarfraz was again given a lease of life when substitute fielder Seekkugge Prassana tried valiantly to catch a mistimed hook, again off Malinga, but to see the ball dropping out of his hands.

    Danushka Gunatilake also dropped a catch off Malinga in the first over of the innings with Pakistan yet to score a run.

    Read More: Sarfraz takes Pakistan to Champions Trophy semi-finals

    Mathews admitted drop catches made the difference.

    “Looking at today’s performance, well, I thought we were pathetic once again. If we had held those catches, it would have been a different story today, especially at very crucial times — first over, and towards the end, where we let go of Sarfraz was very crucial.

    “Being an international team — well, I thought we’ve improved a little bit, but today was not really our day.”

    Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 236 in 49.2 overs with Junaid Khan (3-40), Hasan Ali (3-43) and two wickets each by Amir and debutant Fahim Ashraf sharing the wickets.

    Mathews said his players had worked hard to improve their fielding but it was not their day.

    “Well, the boys have worked extremely hard. Today, yes, we dropped three catches, but there has been a genuine effort from the boys and from the support staff, and we’ve expressed a lot about our fielding, and we’ve talked about a lot, and we put a lot of energy on our fielding. So, yes, there has been a genuine effort on fielding.

    “I mean, when you lose a game, you can always say it was poor batting, it was poor fielding, and it was poor bowling, but I thought — you know, it was kind of a funny wicket today. Yes, we were 30, 40 runs short, obviously, but I’m really proud of the guys, the way they came out and tried to defend that. We had that in our bags, but unfortunately, the fielding let us down.”

    Mathews praised Sarfraz and Amir’s batting.

    “Unfortunately, our bowlers couldn’t win us the game, but really proud of the bowlers, the way they bowled and batted today.”

    Asked about Malinga’s international future, Mathews showed ignorance on fast bowler’s future plans.

    “I’m not really sure. He hasn’t spoken anything about it, but he’s been a great servant for Sri Lanka cricket. He’s been fantastic. We saw the effort that he put in today as well.

    “You know, it was unfortunate that we dropped his catches as well today, and he would have been a different bowler, but still he came out and gave his heart out, and, yeah, he is a champion bowler for us.”

  • Great win, says a rejoiced Sarfraz

    Great win, says a rejoiced Sarfraz

    CARDIFF: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was a happy man, why not? He became Pakistan’s match winner by playing an innings of a lifetime to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat with a mature 61 not out.

    Pakistan were down and out at 162-7 while chasing a modest 237 to win. But Sarfraz and Mohammad Amir added 75 for an unbroken eighth wicket stand to take Pakistan to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy at Cardiff.

    Luck also smiled on Sarfraz as he was dropped twice by Sri Lankan fielders, first by experienced Thisara Perera on 38 and two runs later by substitute fielder Seekkuge Prasanna.

    Sarfraz termed the win as “great.”

    “First of all, thanks to almighty Allah. I think it’s a great win today, and credit goes to the bowlers today. They bowled really well at a crucial time. We took the wicket today and upped the batting order.

    “Especially Fakhar Zaman, he played really well. Yeah, a little bit concern about the middle order batting. Definitely we’re sitting tomorrow, and we’ll sort out the problems.”

    Read More: Sarfraz takes Pakistan to Champions Trophy semi-finals

    Sarfraz termed his innings as responsible one.

    “Definitely, as a captain, it’s very important inning for me. After this inning, I’m really boosted up and hopefully we will do well in the future.”

    Sarfraz admitted he sighed a relief when he saw Perera dropped his catch.

    “You know, that time I didn’t see the hand of Malinga, and when I played the shot in the air, I just said, ooh — (laughter). But thanks to Allah — you know, thanks to Allah today. Allah has passed a law today that Pakistan win today.”

    Sarfraz hoped his team will be at their best against title favourites and hosts England.

    “England is a very good team, a very, very good team. They’ve been playing really good cricket for the last two years. If you’re playing a world class team, definitely, you play more positive cricket against England. So definitely, we will do against England more positively.”

    “Yeah, we played against England here. Last time we played almost full series here. We win that time, so definitely our confidence was very high playing at Cardiff.”

    Sarfraz said he seeks support from former players and fans when the team loses a match.

    “This victory is a great victory for this young team and for Pakistan cricket,” said Sarfraz. “We don’t get support when we lose so it hurts and to make this team a good unit we need support from everyone in every situation.”

  • Haiders form world cricket’s most followed couple

    Haiders form world cricket’s most followed couple

    CARDIFF: For Haider Israr, born and brought up in Gojra in Pakistani province of Punjab, cricket is his first love. His wife Shahzira’s dislike for cricket did not dither him and slowly and gradually she followed her husband.

    Now the couple travels as and when Pakistan plays international event.

    The 51-year-old travels the world supporting Pakistan, leaving his fast food business in Bradford in the hands of his cousins and brothers.

    “I was born and educated in Pakistan, so my identity is Pakistani and I feel that we can only project our country as a civilised nation through cricket,” Haider told ARY News as he watched Monday’s Champions Trophy clash against Sri Lanka in Cardiff.

    “I have travelled the world over as cricket is the only thing we can be proud of and all my hopes are with cricket to promote my country.”

    Haider migrated to the United Kingdom in 1989 after his fiancee sponsored his visit and they were soon married.

    “I was married before, to cricket,” he joked. “I have been to many international matches but since my marriage I have taken my wife to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for the 2011 World Cup, 2012 World Twenty20 (Sri Lanka), 2014 World Twenty20 (Bangladesh) and to Australia in 2015 for the World Cup,” said Haider.

    Haider hates Pakistan losing to India, a trait that has gone on since Pakistan’s last win at Centurion in the 2009 Champions Trophy.

    “I couldn’t get a ticket for the all-important match against India and the defeat added to my disappointment,” said Haider, who went on to see Pakistan’s win over South Africa.

    It takes four hours to drive from Bradford to Birmingham but its always a double joy for Haider and Shahzira.

    “Because of the busioeness we don’t get much time to spend together,” said Shahzira. “Haier comes late in the night and I too remain busy in work so travelling for cricket gives us some good time to send together. This also gives me time to do some shopping.”

    “I get texts from my friends in the UK to say I am wasting my time on this Pakistan team, but I am sure Pakistan will go to the final and I have a ticket for that match,” said Haider, of the June 18 title decider at The Oval.

    Haider also hoped that Pakistan cricket becomes more stable — both on and off the field. He hates players who sell the name of the country in match fixing, most recently Sharjeel Khan’s loss hurts him.

    “They sold themselves for peanuts. When I go to watch cricket at Lord’s or Leeds the locals chant ‘for how much will you sell this shirt?’ But I tell them that those players are out of cricket now,” said Haider.

    “I hope my country gets over all its problems because it is a great country, full of nice people and places. We have lost several players and the most recent loss of Sharjeel is unbearable.”

    Shazira said she has started to develop a deep interest in cricket.

    “I didn’t like cricket initially but I have now developed a good interest and by going on tours it gives me an opportunity to see the world,” said Shazira.

    “It’s two enjoyments in one ticket and above all, my husband is happy and we promote our country.”

    When Haider waives the green and white Pakistan flag, others join him as they shout “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans to raise the spirits in the ground.

    Haider hopes when he retires he will spend more time on cricket fields.

  • Pakistan targets Sri Lanka and semis

    Pakistan targets Sri Lanka and semis

    CARDIFF: Pakistan hoped they keep the tempo and the confidence of their big win over world number South Africa when they face South Asian rivals Sri Lanka in their final Group B match at Cardiff on Monday, the winner of which will get the last berth of the Champions Trophy semi-finals.

    Both teams have played many a times in the past but have not played any 50-over game in the last two years, as both have been going through a transition phase with greats like Mahela Jayawarnde and Kumar Sangakkara gone from Sri Lankan outfits and Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq retired from Pakistan’s ranks.

    Both the teams had unimpressive stars to their campaign, with Pakistan losing by 124 runs to India in a timid display. Sri Lanka went down by 96 runs to South Africa but they bounced back with upset wins over formidable and higher ranked opponents, India.

    Pakistan beat world number one South Africa in a rain interrupted match. Sri Lanka were more emphatic when they chased down a 322-run target against India at The Oval, pushing them back in contention.

    Pakistan, who kept the same 12, would not like to tamper with their winning combination but can be tempted to give debut to seaming all-rounder Fahim Ashraf if they take into account the fact that Sri Lanka play spinners well. That could leave leg-spinner Shadab Khan out of the eleven.

    Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed knows the conditions in Cardiff very well, having scored a brilliant 90 in a tough 303-run chase against England last year.

    Also in the knowledge of the Sophia Garden ground is left-arm spinner Imad Wasim who starred with both bat and ball against England plus for the fact that he was born in the nearby town of Swansea.

    Sarfraz acknowledged the fact.

    “Yes, we know the ground and have fond memories of our win against England last year, so we can have that confidence,” said Sarfraz. “We did well to bounce back after the India game, so the confidence is there and we have to go out and give our best.”

    Sri Lanka will welcome Dhananjaya de Silva who joined the squad as replacement for injured Kusal Perera while seaming all-rounder Thisara Perera was declared fit after being hit on the side of the neck during practice.

    Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews admits Pakistan are a dangerous team.

    “We have to be at our best to beat them because they are a dangerous side,” said Mathews, who will continue to play only as batsman and will not bowl due to recovering from a hamstring problem.

    “We have that much needed confidence after beating India and we know what to do to go forward in this tournament. It is refreshing to have such a talented bunch of players so we are very confident.”

    The weather in Cardiff has been kind on Sunday and will continue to be shinning on Monday but just like both the teams, weather is also unpredictable.

  • I love unpredictable tag on Pakistan: Hafeez

    I love unpredictable tag on Pakistan: Hafeez

    CARDIFF: The “unpredictable tag” so often associated with Pakistan cricket team brings a lot of flak for them but former captain and senior player Mohammad Hafeez bluntly declared it “as loving and enjoyable”.

    Hafeez, speaking a day before the crucial must-win final Group B game against Sri Lanka at Cardiff on Monday, admitted he loved the tag and a fan of it.

    “To be honest, I’m always a fan of that tag, even by many, as unpredictable team, so I’m very happy with that, and that’s what you can see. As a team, we’re always very aggressive,” Hafeez told media.

    “Yes, we had some of the days which were not nice, and I think the first game was one of those where we all tried our level best but things didn’t work for us. And the next game, like it was a total different team effort, and that’s what I believe. As a team, we are always like that, and I love that tag always.”

    Read More: Pakistan and Sri Lanka set for Champions Trophy ‘quarter-final’

    Pakistan were shoddy in their 124-run loss against India in their opening match and were castigated for the lack of fight. But true to their tag, they bounced back by beating world number one South Africa in their second game by 19 runs on Duckworth-Lewis formula after rain abandoned the game.

    Hafeez emphasized the task is also to be consistent.

    “It’s my personal opinion. I believe like the first time it’s been given to the Pakistan team was when we won the World Cup 1992. If you see the history of Pakistan cricket from there till now, we’re always unpredictable. We have the talent, but still you never know when it comes. That’s something like always opposition think about it. They never take us light. They never think, like, we can take them on.

    “At the same time, yes, being consistent is always like something we always work on it, and we wanted to be consistent enough to get in the right frame of mind always as a team. I think in this team — it’s a new team, but I still think we as a team are ready to take all the challenges coming ahead of us.”

    Hafeez said Pakistan were ready for Sri Lanka at Cardiff.

    “Well, first of all, we believe as a team we are ready and crystal clear when it comes to preparation. And the situation is very clear in front of us – like we have to win the game because rest of the things are just irrelevant because, once you are clear, then all things will come into place.

    “So we are ready. We know like this is a game we all want to win and want to go through to the semis. Yes, we saw a little bit of the conditions. We had a couple of sessions here, and we very much prepared for that.”

    Hafeez said the team was confident of doing well.

    “Well, to be honest, I think it’s an achievement. Everyone wanted to go there, wanted to do well in this competition, but still I believe, and we believe as a team, we are moving towards the right direction. We know the rules. We know, as a team, we are gelling together. We’re doing what the job on our hands is.

    “It would be great to achieve that and going forward in this tournament, but still I think we, as a team, are gelling together and doing the role what is required for the Pakistan cricket.”

    Hafeez admitted getting full ten overs to bowl against South Africa was a boost after he was surprisingly not used against India.

    “Yes, personally, I was missing that part of the time because that was something that I really wanted to do whenever I played cricket. The missing part was just released, and I’m really happy to do that job also for the team. I feel myself enjoying more in the ground, and also it is working for the team. That is always great.”