Shah urges his players to learn from mistakes

Denzil Pinto 07:50 05/12/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • The hosts go into the third and final 50-over dead-rubber, looking to make amends for their comprehensive 100-run defeat at Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.

    Chasing 191, Shah’s troops looked on course to reach that target at 63-1 after 15 overs. Instead, Ghulam Shabbir’s dismissal sparked a dramatic batting collapse as the hosts lost their last nine wickets for 27 runs.

    The UAE will not have much time to reflect on that display and Shah insists it’s better the game has come sooner rather than later.

    “We just have to forget about this loss and focus ahead. We have to try and win, starting with our next game,” said the former England international, who will remain in his role until his short-term deal expires at the end of January.

    “First and foremost, our aim is to win a cricket match. We’ll be trying our best to do that on Monday against England, who have been very good and rightfully so, as they are a very good team. It’s good experience for our players to learn from these guys on how they function as a unit and improve as a team.”

    Only Shabbir (27) and opener Rohan Mustafa (45) reached double figures in the match and the Englishman admits he was disappointed by what he saw on Saturday.

    “It’s frustrating as a coach to see that kind of batting but that’s what we are working on, in becoming more consistent with the bat,” said the 38-year-old. “Without a shadow of a doubt, we were looking good at the halfway stage and having restricted them to a total, I thought it would be chaseable on that pitch.

    “It was just poor selection on the day and this is work in progress. We can’t work on things like this overnight. We will continue to work hard and hopefully put these mistakes to bed but it will take time to adapt. The guys play a lot of T20 tournaments in the domestic game but they must learn how to play 50-over cricket which is very important for them.

    “But for now we just have to focus on the next game against England and do well in that.”

    Recommended