Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed slams "mentally weak" Australia

Alex Broun 14:45 29/10/2018
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  • Pakistan captain Safraz Ahmed congratulates Shadab Khan on another wicket.

    Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has branded Australia as “mentally weak” after his side completed a comfortable 3-0 sweep of the T20I series in Dubai on Sunday night.

    “Looks like Australia are mentally weak at the moment,” said Ahmed, “the moment we put them under pressure they collapse every time.”

    After Pakistan compiled 150-5 in the third T20I, the tourists were never in the hunt, skittled out for 117 in the 20th over.

    Speaking about Australia’s poor performance Ahmed said it was clear they were missing suspended players Steve Smith and David Warner.

    “Sometimes it happens, and every team has gone through life like this,” said Ahmed, “At the moment Australia are going through this, since their captain (Steve Smith) is not here, David Warner is not there, and the team are under pressure.

    “I think Australia did their best but unfortunately (for them) we played very good cricket.”

    Asked about the turnaround from Pakistan’s disastrous Asian Cup campaign Sarfraz said the players were instructed not to dwell on it.

    “We are talking to the players,” he explained. “’Asia Cup is gone. Now he we have new series, Australia test series’, the players are responding.

    “Don’t worry about that, just do your best for the team. So I think credit goes to my boys

    “The way the boys have responded after the Champions trophy is very good. This opportunity is good for us.”

    Pakistan now face New Zealand in three T20Is starting on Wednesday night in Abu Dhabi, followed by three ODIs and three Tests.

    Commenting on New Zealand Ahmed said “they have a very good side.”

    “Unfortunately Martin Guptill’s not there (due to a calf injury) but the whole team they have very good players.

    “I know Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, they have a very good attack and there is no team that if they are not playing well their team won’t win.”

    Ahmed added that the whitewash of the Aussies had given the team momentum.

    “Before the match we were always talking about momentum and carrying this momentum into the New Zealand series,” he said, “so we were talking about this and how it was very important for the next series.

    “But (now) the momentum is with us and hopefully it will carry into the next series.”

    Asked about his own success as captain, Ahmed deflected the credit on to his team.

    “My job is easier to do because of my players, my players are very good,” he said.

    “They know how to handle their position.

    “We have a good bowling line up and good batsmen like Babar Azam, he’s performed here ever since for the last two years, Mohammad Hafeez, Fakhar Zaman, Shoaib Malik, everyone is contributing in the future.

    “My job is very easy as the captain.”

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