Debasis Sen, Dubai: The thrilling three-wicket win over Afghanistan will give Pakistan the much-needed confidence ahead of Sunday’s all-important Super 4 clash against India at the Dubai International Stadium, feel Shoaib Malik. It was Malik’s (51*) knock that paved the way for a brilliant win for the Men in Green with three balls to spare.
“It always feels good when you win a game for your team. I am very happy as it was a very important game because it will be the first step towards the final with still two more matches to go. The win will give us confidence ahead of our next clash against India,” said the former Pakistan captain after the win.
It was a team effort as each and every member of the team contributed. In a game of 50 overs there will be ups and downs and you have to fight till the last ball is bowled.
Malik credited the six hit by Hasan Ali towards the end that sort of eased the nerves in the Pak camp.
According to Shoaib, “The six hit by Hasan Ali was even more important than my knock as it brought us closer to the target. The credit should go to the whole team and to the entire nation as the fans always keep praying for us.”
Pak opener Imam ul Haq also played a responsible knock (80) at the top of the order and shared a solid stand of 154 runs with Babar Azam for the third wicket.
On being asked to comment on the game against India, the Pak opener said, “Our strength is bowling. We need to bowl them out. Openers ko out karein jaldi hain out karna hain. Our batsmen let the team down. We will give them a tough time.”
Pakistan were outplayed in their Group League clash against India on September 19. On being asked whether the win against Afghanistan act as a confidence boosting one, Imam said, “Yes, the batsmen did let down the team in the game against India. It puts the middle order under immense pressure if the openers get out early which happened in the match against India. If you look back, recently both me, Fakhar and Babar have been providing the team the platform to put on big score on board. But hopefully the momentum will be back after Friday’s win and we hope to give them (India) a tough time.”
The opener warned the Indians that the Men in Green will put up a much inspiring show on Sunday.