Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez Tuesday urged his team to improve while chasing ahead of next week’s World Twenty20, saying it was a concern despite winning against Australia. Pakistan clinched the three-match Twenty20 series 2-1 but were humiliated by 94 runs in the third and final match here on Monday, shot out for their lowest Twenty20 score of 74. Pakistan’s previous lowest total was 89 against England at Cardiff in 2010. Hafeez said Pakistan panicked while chasing a target of 169. “There is a concern in chasing a target but I am confident that we will improve and do well in the World Twenty20,” said Hafeez of the 12-team competition which begins in Sri Lanka from September 18.
Hafeez warned that Pakistan still needs to find an extra gear when needed. “We must lift our energy levels while we chase,” said Hafeez. “Despite losing the third game I can confidently say that there is a happy feeling within the camp and we are gearing up for the mega event.” Pakistan is placed in Group D of the World Twenty20 along with New Zealand and Bangladesh. “Our momentum is good and we want to carry over that winning momentum,” said Hafeez. “Twenty20 cricket is all about doing right things at the right time and I am sure the boys will do that.”
Hafeez backed the returning opener Imran Nazir who managed scores of 22, nought and one in the three matches against Australia. “Nazir is a Twenty20 specialist and I am confident of his talent. He will surely be disappointed with his efforts so far but hopefully he will do well in the World Twenty20,” said Hafeez. Hafeez’s counterpart, George Bailey said he was satisfied with his team. “We have worked really hard, so to get the reward of a victory and see that the things we are working on are actually coming to fruition, I think that’s really important for us,” said Bailey. Australia, losing finalists in the last World Twenty20 in 2010 held in the West Indies, slid to tenth in Twenty20 rankings after the series defeat. “I think Pakistan are an unbelievable side, and at their best they can play some great cricket and at our best we can play some great cricket.”
