CHANDIGARH, India – Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has called on the Pakistan Cricket Board to ring the changes following their exit at the Super 10s stage of the World T20.
His side crashed out of the tournament in a comprehensive defeat to Australia on Friday and Waqar was particularly unimpressed with Pakistan’s fielding efforts saying it must be addressed if the team is to move forward.
Australia picked gaps at will, picking up twos with ease and even running a four due to some particularly lacklustre efforts by Mohammad Sami.
It allowed the Australians to post a total of 193-4 which always appeared beyond a Pakistan outfit that looked hapless and short of ideas bowling first.
Waqar himself may not be in charge after this tournament with his position under serious consideration and his contract unlikely to be extended.
Without acknowledging these rumours the former fast bowler urged the PCB to move in a different direction, starting with their selection policy which he is of the opinion needs greater focus on picking more athletic players.
“I think the difference between the teams is very obvious and clear. We are not the best fielding side in this tournament and I think that’s one thing we have to really dig deep and think about,” said Waqar.
“Even the selectors when they are selecting next time when they are going forward that needs to be addressed. When you pick someone you have to really look at the fielding aspect of the game also which I think we lacked.
“All these big tournaments always bring change and I hope the PCB are also looking for a change in the setup.”
The outlook from the Australian camp couldn’t have been starker in contrast.
They now head into their final Super 10s match against India in what is essentially a quarter-final to decide who joins New Zealand in the semis from Group 2.
James Faulkner, who took 5-27, took particular pleasure in Australia finally striking a balance with its batting lineup as Aaron Finch came into open, allowing Shane Watson to star alongside captain Steve Smith in the middle-order.
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— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 25, 2016
“We have had a massive focus on batting through the middle. Here in India it’s something you need to really have to nail so you get some partnerships and have wickets in the shed for the last four, five, six overs,” said man of the match Faulkner.
“The beauty about our batting order is we have got so many different players who can bat 1 to 6. It’s hard for spots and you have to get the right balance and the right mixture and today it worked beautifully.
“I don’t think too many thinks will change for the next game when you’re winning.”
