Pakistan: Misbah laments over loss, calls it 'very disappointing'

After Pakistan’s humiliating 0-3 defeat in the T20 series against a second-string Sri Lanka team, new head coach Misbah-ul-Haq expressed his displeasure over the country’s cricket system. He also lamented at the lack of talent at the domestic level. Furthermore, he added that Sri Lanka had outclassed Pakistan in all three departments of the game. He conceded that it was a one-sided series.  

He said, "This series has been an eye-opener for us and everyone else. These same players have been around for a while now. More or less, the same team which made us number one and has been playing together for around three to four years now." Misbah added, "We were poor and not even at par in all three departments against them. Sri Lanka outclassed us in every department, it was an almost one-sided series.” 

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Accepts responsibility for the defeat 

While the Pakistan head coach did accept responsibility for the series, he was also sarcastic in his response. He opined he was just 10 days into his new assignment. Talking about the poor form of leg-spinner Shadab Khan, he asked the press to suggest a more capable replacement.  

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"Yes, I take responsibility for the series defeat. It is very disappointing and we played poorly. But this is the same team which made us number one. Same players who have been playing for around three years. If you want to blame me, fine. I have been just 10 days on the job and yes about changes, I asked a right-hand batsman to start batting left-handed and told a left-hand bowler to start bowling right-hand, right," Misbah remarked. Commenting on Shadab Khan’s inclusion, he retorted, "But tell me another wrist spinner who we can select to replace Shadab. Name one deserving wrist-spinner on domestic circuit whom we did not select.” 

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Defends Pakistan skipper 

Misbah deflected criticism on the out-of-form Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who dropped catches and missed stumping chances as well. Moreover, he compared the ability of experienced players to play spin as against the younger lot.  

The head coach commented, "Yes, only the wicketkeeper is not playing well, the rest of the 10 players are doing so well.” Highlighting the Pakistani batsmen’s problems in facing spin, he said, "Shoaib Malik and Muhammad Hafeez are our most seasoned players and play spin very well. Our youngsters face pace very well but face problems against spinners, wrist spinners." 

(With PTI inputs)

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