ISLAMABAD - Former Pakistan Test bowler Sarfraz Nawaz lauded Pakistan team for winning the first One Day International against hosts Sri Lanka. He said this victory was very significant as green caps were comprehensively outplayed in the two-Test matches previously and team bounced back well, but there were lot of areas where team management and coaches must focus.
“Pakistan should have restricted Lankans well under 200 runs as top guns like Dilshan and dangerous Sangakkara were sent to pavilion very early. Misbah should have utilised his bowling options accordingly, keeping in mind magician Saeed Ajmal was not available for selection.”Sarfraz, talking exclusively with The Nation from UK, said he was shocked to witness batsmen’s struggle against Herath as it was quite unbelievable and he can't imagine, Pakistan batsmen fail to play even straight deliveries except wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed, who played good cricket under pressure.
Sarfraz further said had Misbah utilised his bowlers accordingly in the first ODI and introduced Irfan a bit earlier for his second spell, Jayawerdene and Mattews could not have scored that amount of runs. “But I am very surprised to see Pakistani batsmen playing such lose shots and just gifting their wickets. In my opinion the way Misbah lost his wicket is totally unacceptable. What was reason of playing such a causal stroke on outside the leg stump delivery? Misbah must understand his responsibilities. He has to prolong his stay at the crease. It was just his batting which force selectors to keep him in the playing XI.”
“Sohaib Maqsood and Fawad batted superbly. I must give credit to Fawad who started his innings very slowly and took lot of deliveries to settle down. But once he saw through the initial period, runs started to come thick and fast. Others must learn from Fawad how to build innings. Sohaib also batted superbly, but he must thank Sangakkara for giving him a life, when he missed a simple stumping chance on the bowling of Herath. Irfan was the pick of the bowlers. Wahab Riaz also bowled well but Juniad looked rusty. He needs to quickly adjust otherwise he could be left out to make way for Ajmal. Younus Khan clearly disappointed as people expect much better approach from a player of his caliber and experience,” Sarfraz concluded.