World Cup: Misbah-ul-Haq encourages struggling Pakistan to learn from mistakes
Captain critical of every facet as 1992 champions thumped by West Indies
Saturday 21 February 2015 07:53, UK
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has urged his side to lift themselves as their participation in the World Cup hangs by a thread.
The 1992 champions succumbed to 1-4 – the worst start to an innings in ODI history – en route to losing to West Indies on Saturday, a week after they were bested by rivals India.
Pakistan now sit rock bottom of Pool B and in real danger of missing out on a quarter-final place ahead of group games with Zimbabwe, UAE, South Africa and Ireland.
"It's a do or die situation for us and there are no ifs,” said Misbah, who saw top-order batsmen Nasir Jamshed, Younus Khan and Haris Sohail dismissed by Jerome Taylor for ducks and his team bowled out for 160 in 39 overs.
“We lost in all three departments – we couldn't bowl well, dropped a lot of catches, and the batting totally flopped – so we need to pick up ourselves up now we're at the edge.
“There is no blame game but we have to forget the last two matches and learn from our mistakes as we can only win if we perform."
Struggling
Pakistan could not recover from a dreadful start with the bat against West Indies, despite Umar Akmal (59) and Sohaib Maqsood (50) putting on 80 for the sixth wicket and Shahid Afridi playing with typical swagger during a 26-ball 28.
Cricket World Cup 2015
However, Misbah was also critical of his bowlers for shipping 115 runs in the final 10 overs and allowing West Indies to post a score of 310-6.
“The guys batting up front have been struggling a bit, and that made it very difficult for us, especially on a pitch like that, with the ball seaming a bit," added the 40-year-old.
"There was a little bit in the pitch when we bowled but we could not really exploit that. We got a few early wickets but in those last overs we just gave away too many runs.
"In the last two games the guys have really bowled well in the death overs but today credit should really be given to the West Indies and the way they played. They really cashed in in the last five or six overs."
Wonderful
West Indies captain Jason Holder was understandably delighted by his charges, praising both his batsmen and bowlers as they bounced back from Monday’s loss to Ireland.
"It was a wonderful performance,” said Holder.
“I thought we really batted well at the end of the innings, with everyone putting their hands up and giving us the impetus that took us to 300.
"It wasn't an easy total to defend but I thought what made the job easier was the start we had; I thought Taylor was excellent up front and I supported him well.
“When we get three or four wickets with the new ball it always eases pressure and then we were able to strike home."
Watch highlights of West Indies' win over Pakistan throughout the day on Sky Sports World Cup or with Hindi commentary on Zee Cinema (channel 790).
