KARACHI: Jason Mohammed described Sunday’s crushing defeat in the first Twenty20 International against top-ranked Pakistan as ‘just one bad performance’ after West Indies were walloped by 143 runs here at the National Stadium.

The tourists looked tired and jaded in the first full-fledged international cricket fixture in Karachi for more than nine years. After Pakistan equalled their highest T20 International total of 203-5 — which was remarkably enough achieved at the same venue against Bangladesh in April 2008 — West Indies crashed to their lowest score when they bundled out for 60 in 13.4 overs with Veerasammy Permaul unable to bat after being stretchered off the field.

“Obviously there was a bit of jet lag, but that is no excuse for such a poor team effort tonight,” Mohammed told the post-match media conference late on Sunday night.

“We were certainly good enough to put a good show against a very competitive Pakistan team. We must improve in the remaining games in all three departments and our shot selection in particular need to be much sensible.”

However, West Indies were reduced to just 12 players after their worst fears were confirmed on Monday when the slow left-armer Permaul was ruled of the remainder of the three-match with ruptured muscle in his left ankle after his T20 International debut lasted just three balls into his maiden over when he pulled up in his delivery stride.

Permaul was the only forced change in the touring XI for the second fixture with Jamaican medium-pacer Odean Smith included to his international debut, while opted to retain the same team as Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss, and against his customary inclination, chose to bat first on another flat pitch.

Mohammed hoped his side would bounce back in the second game to keep the series alive.

“But I must stress we just have to forget what happened in game one. Our shot selection needs to be much better and we must also have to build partnerships. Losing wickets in every over upfront put us under a lot of pressure. We just have to be positive and be smarter about it come second match,” Mohammed remarked.

Commenting on the security measures put in place for the brief visit to the city, Mohammed said: “Obviously they [overall arrangements] have been very nice since we landed here the other night. We feel very safe and comfortable playing here and the fans were very nice at the ground.”

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2018