Mohammad Hafeez doesn’t think Pakistan’s humiliating defeat at the hands of Australia last night will affect their momentum heading into the World T20.
His side’s 74 at Dubai Sports City was their worst-ever score in the format – joint with India as a low for a major cricketing nation. But Hafeez is adamant that the result wasn’t due to complacency after already securing a 2-1 series win against the Aussies last Friday.
“We really wanted to win,” he said. “But the way we approached the cause [wasn’t right]. We lost too many early wickets and couldn’t recover. I think the boys did really well [on the tour] and I’m really proud. There are definitely positives to take forward.
“We were not complacent after winning the series, we didn’t play smart, we lost too many wickets before six overs and Australia played really well.”
Hafeez is confident his side will recover and challenge for glory at the World T20 in Sri Lanka, starting on September 18.
“Everyone is preparing themselves,” he added. “No one is favourite, there are about nine teams that can beat anyone. T20 is all about doing the right thing at the right time.
“This series will give momentum to whoever does well. We wanted to learn against pace and I think we did that.”
Hafeez paid tribute to David Warner and Shane Watson who struck up an 111-run partnership –the biggest in Australia T20 history – essentially killing off the game after just 10 overs.
“Watson and Warner were exc-eptional and put us under pressure,” he added. “Yes there is a concern that we didn’t chase, but inshallah we’ll do well. I have confidence.”
Warner had struggled in both the ODIs and T20 games against Afgh-anistan and Pakistan until his 31 in game two and last night’s 59, which included six huge sixes.
“I always back myself,” he said. “I think I was thinking about things a bit too much.
“We talk about partnerships, we set ourselves goals and partnerships. That momentum will be good for all of us, especially to see the way we bowled.
Dubai horror show won’t ruin Pakistan’s T20 title bid, insists Hafeez
