'Pakistan's slump can't take shine off Bangladesh win'

Published April 21, 2015
“Bangladesh is not the same Bangladesh they used to be,” former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad said. — AFP
“Bangladesh is not the same Bangladesh they used to be,” former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad said. — AFP

Resurgent Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal says his team's performance in the World Cup was no flash in the pan and termed the series win over Pakistan as a testament to the vast strides the Tigers had made since being awarded the Test status.

Iqbal, who scored back-to-back hundreds in the first two ODIs against Pakistan, also rubbished suggestions that Azhar Ali's side was a second-string line up which there for the taking.

“This [ the series win] proves that we are improving and we are ready to take another step. So I am really happy from the aspect of a team.”

“Pakistan may be a little inexperienced with regards to the batting, but if you see their bowling attack, they can match the best in the world. We are improving and we are ready to take another step. So I am really happy from the aspect of a team,” Iqbal said in response to comments about the quality of the Pakistan side.

Former Pakistan batting great Javed Miandad echoed Iqbal's words and said while Bangladesh had turned a corner, Pakistan was at its “lowest point”.

“Losing to Bangladesh is the lowest point but if we do not take big measures our cricket will decline further,” Miandad said.

The 57-year-old former captain, who had a short stint with the Tigers as batting consultant in 2002, said it wouldn't harm Pakistan if they took cue from the way Bangladesh had gradually built their side into a competitive unit.

“Bangladesh is not the same Bangladesh they used to be and I think they can now upset any team because they are getting better and better with each day,” he said.

“I did a little bit of coaching in Bangladesh and told them of some basics, like they were weak on short pitch deliveries, and praise to them that they adhered to the basics and now their game is improving day by day.”

Bangladesh ousted higher-ranked England to finish as losing quarter-finalists in the World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand in February-March this year. This was their best ever showing at cricket's premier event.

Former ODI skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, though, defended Pakistan's 'new' team and urged the critics to hold their guns.

“This is a young team and needs more time to improve under a new captain Azhar Ali. Things don't change overnight.”

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