According to Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam, the defeat against India in the Asia Cup was just like the defeat against “any other” team.
“Obviously the members of the Pakistani team are disappointed but it was just a part of the game,” Intikhab said. “We don’t consider this defeat against India is as serious as people believe.
“The toss was vital in the match,” he continued. “There was grass and moisture on the wicket and our bowlers could also have exploited the wicket had we bowled first.”
Shahid Afridi, though, had said at the toss that Pakistan would have chosen to bat first anyway.
“That was his opinion,” Intikhab said. “Still we can play better and qualify for the Asia Cup final and we have not lost hope.”
Pakistan were bowled out for 83 in 17.3 overs and saw great rivals India win by five wickets with 27 balls to spare. One bright spot for Pakistan was the performance of Mohammad Amir. The strike bowler who recently returned to action after serving a prison sentence and suspension for his role in a spot-fixing scandal, took 3-18 in his four over spell.
“Amir played exceptionally well. He is a talented bowler and improving day by day. His bowling was appreciated by all team members including the captain. He has been getting full support from the entire team.”
Bipin Dani
He has toured UAE, Sri Lanka, Morocco and Malaysia, to name a few, and contributes to a large number of newspapers in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
His twitter bio reads: Eat cricket stories, drink cricket stories, sleep cricket stories.
Latest posts by Bipin Dani (see all)
- Balaji preserved his broken bat because Shoaib Akhtar was bowling - October 17, 2016
- Umpire Bruce Oxenford’s movement restricted by protective arm guard? - October 17, 2016
- #ENGvSL: Kumar Sangakkara rings Lord’s bell ahead of 3rd Test - June 9, 2016
