After starting their cricket world cup 2023 campaign with back-to-back victories, Pakistan have suffered two setbacks having lost to India and Australia. Known for their quality pacers, the team is yet to produce a show worthy of the hype.
However, in the defeat to Australia on what was a batting paradise, Shaheen Afridi took a five-wicket haul with Haris Rauf overcoming a nightmare of a start to limit the damage in the death overs.
ICC World Cup: Schedule | Results | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets
The Babar Azam-led side will know hope to get back on the winning track when they face Afghanistan in Chennai next. Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul has advised the team to learn from their mistakes and move on quickly.
“There is no place for making mistakes in a mega event, just learn from your mistakes and move on. There is a lot of talent in (this) Pakistani team, they need to make plans according to the (playing) conditions,” Gul was quoted as saying by Geo TV.
“Yes, the national team have the required talent and capability to bounce back and qualify for the final four (semi-finals),” he added.
Pakistan were dealt a major blow when Naseem Shah was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury he picked at the Asia Cup which Gul feels has left a severe dent on their pace attack.
“For the last few years, we have had a great bowling attack in Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, but Naseem’s injury has affected us greatly,” Gul said.
“However, taking five wickets in the last match would be a great confidence booster for Shaheen. Meanwhile, Rauf needs to get himself back and remember his best performances,” he added.
Gul, who took 424 wickets across formats for Pakistan during his international career, said that bowlers will have to adjust their line and length in Indian conditions which are considered more batting friendly.
“The wickets in India are not helpful for bowlers and the boundaries are small as well. A bowler who adjusts his line and length according to the conditions will succeed here (in India),” he said.
“There is no margin for bowlers on Indian wickets, they cannot give room to the batters by bowling (outside the off stump), discipline is mandatory in India,” he added.
Comments
0 comment