“Our openers looked panicked”

Published October 5, 2012

Imran Nazir, Mohammad Hafeez, Basit Ali, Asif Iqbal, pakistan sri lanka, pakistan sri lanka wt20
“The application was missing.” -Photo by AFP

KARACHI: Former players spoke for millions of disappointed fans Friday after Pakistan crashed out of the World Twenty20 semi-finals, blaming defeat on poor planning and lacklustre batting.

Pakistan lost to hosts Sri Lanka by 16 runs in the first semi-final Thursday, having failed to beat a modest 140-run target.

“Our openers looked in a panic,” former captain Asif Iqbal told AFP.

“The target was not easy on a slow turning pitch, but had the planning been there it could have been chased, but batsmen did not try to stay at the wicket.”

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath (3-25) and Ajantha Mendis (2-27) derailed Pakistan, who were eventually restricted to 123-7 in 20 overs.

Other former Pakistani stars blamed poor selection for the batting collapse.

“We should have played Asad Shafiq. He is our most composed and technically sound player and he should have been in the team,” said former captain Aamir Sohail.

Former leg-spinner Abdul Qadir said veteran all-rounder Abdul Razzaq should not have been dropped. He was replaced by paceman Sohail Tanvir.

“You needed proper planning to chase down a total,” said another former captain, Zaheer Abbas.

“Our batsmen didn't play according to the situation and pitch conditions. I thought 140 was gettable in the match but the application was missing.”

Popular all-rounder Shahid Afridi was also singled out for criticism.

Player of the tournament when Pakistan won the World Twenty20 in 2009, Afridi managed just 30 runs in five innings and took four wickets in six matches.

“He was cruelly out of form,” said former batsman Basit Ali.

“I think he should retire now because he was a big disappointment in the tournament. Hafeez also made a blunder by insisting on opening the innings.”

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

THE deplorable practice of enforced disappearances is an affront to due process and the rule of law. Pakistan has...
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...