KARACHI: Former Test captain Javed Miandad says Pakistan cricketers need to bring more improvement in T20s ahead of next year’s ICC World Twenty20.

“Pakistan faced a stiff challenge from Zimbabwe in the T20 series before winning it 2-0,” Miandad said in an interview on Monday.

“Though Afridi-led Pakistan won the series but I think Zimbabwe benefited from it more than what the hosts gained,” he commented.

“To be frank Pakistan team needs to improve in all areas of the game and look for top-level fitness in the fastest format [before they take on bigger teams in the World T20].”

Miandad, regarded as the finest batsman produced by Pakistan, complimented Mukhtar Ahmed for his excellent batting show in the T20 series.

However, the 124-Test veteran said a player cannot be rated high after just three games.

“Zimbabweans don’t have a very high-quality bowling attack. Therefore, it is yet to be seen how Mukhtar fares against a top-quality bowling attack,” he noted.

While praising the spirit and courage displayed by Mukhtar, Miandad said the youngster had to prove himself with consistent quality batting performance.

On Zimbabwe’s visit to Pakistan, Miandad said it was a good sign that a Test-playing team had finally toured after six years.

Giving his views on Pakistan bowlers’ show in the T20 rubber against Zimbabwe he said: “Our bowlers at times struggled and came under some heavy punishment from the batsmen.”

Miandad noted that full house in both the T20s was a good message for international community that Pakistanis were passionate about cricket.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2015

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