The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Shoaib Malik remains optimistic

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Wednesday, Oct 31, 2007
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Shoaib Malik remains optimistic

— AFP

UNPERTURBED: Despite the reverses both in the Test and ODI series against South Africa, Shoaib Malik maintains that Pakistan would do well in India.

Lahore: Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik said losing the Test and one-day series to South Africa was disappointing but that his players would not let the debacle occupy their minds when they take on India next week.

“I do not think we will go to India with any negative thoughts in our mind. Our players are capable of handling the pressure,” Malik said.

“The Indian tour is going to be a challenging one as they are also rebuilding their team. But we have learnt a lot from the series against South Africa,” he added.

On Monday, Pakistan lost the final and deciding ODI by 14 runs while chasing a target of 234 after being 199 for four at one stage.

Not good enough

Malik admitted that his team failed to deliver the knock-out punch despite dominating the game.

“Our finishing has to improve, that is for sure. We controlled 90 per cent of the game against South Africa but in the 10 per cent that really mattered we were not good enough,” he said.

The skipper, however, refused to blame anyone for the defeat and backed his players.

“I know we tried hard but you have to give their bowlers too some credit. I will not tell any player to stop playing his natural game but, yes, we just need to be responsible at times. We will continue to play positively in India as well.”

The return of fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar to the team has brought a smile on the face of the skipper who described him as an asset to the team.

“He is a big asset to the team when he is fully fit and he showed he is hungry for success by bowling very well despite making a comeback after such a long time. It is great to have Shoaib back for the Indian tour,” Malik said.

Akhtar took four for 43 after coming back to the team after serving a ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Backs Akmal

Malik also backed wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal whose performances behind the stumps have been criticised severely in recent times.

“Look, anyone can drop catches even Jonty Rhodes dropped catches. But we know Akmal is a bit down and we need to sit down and talk to him and boost his confidence. We know he can be a key player for us in India.”

Akmal dropped a straightforward chance off Jacques Kallis, who went on to make a match-winning 86 for his team.

The Pakistan captain also revealed that the team management has decided to bring back experienced campaigners for the opening slots after repeated failures by the young batsmen in the series against South Africa.

“India is a pressure tour and a crucial series for us, so we have to stick with those who have some experience. However, after the Indian tour we will look at other options as well,” he said. — PTI

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