Defeat not the end, says Hafeez

Published March 22, 2014
Pakistan's captain Mohammad Hafeez, right, has a word with young opener Ahmed Shehzad in the nets. -Photo by AP
Pakistan's captain Mohammad Hafeez, right, has a word with young opener Ahmed Shehzad in the nets. -Photo by AP

MIRPUR: After losing against arch rival India in the opening match of World T20 on Friday, Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez stressed that one defeat did not signal the end of the tournament for his side.

“The pitch was a bit damp due to the dew and the ball was not coming on to the bat. We were at least 20 runs short,” he told reporters after the match.

“Then we dropped some catches, which we can't afford in games like these. But there is a long way to go in this tournament and we will try to make a strong comeback.”

The victory in Friday’s World T20 match prolonged India's unbeaten record against Pakistan in 20-over and 50-over World Cups but Pakistani skipper denied it was a psychological barrier for Pakistan.

“You may say whatever you want but we don't think like 'this is World Cup and we've never beaten them in World Cup events'.”

“We go into a match (with) positive (mindset). Unfortunately, we could not snap that streak but we'll try our level best next time.”

Hafeez said Pakistan could not accelerate in final overs which could have taken them to a 150-plus score.

Meanwhile, Indian kipper MS Dhoni described the win as “fantastic” with good contributions from both batsmen and bowlers.

“There were a few dropped catches and it would have been better if we had taken them,” he said. “But apart from that, it was a fantastic game.

“Rohit and Dhawan gave us a good start and Kohli and Raina capitalised on that. It is good to see Raina among the runs, because with him around it gives us the firepower in the middle order.”

Dhoni warned rivals that Mishra, who was included as the third spinner instead of playing an extra seamer, had yet to touch peak form.

“I think Mishra bowled 70-75 per cent of what he can bowl,” Dhoni said. “But we are not sure of playing three spinners every time. A lot will depend on whether there is evening dew or not.”

The Indian spinner hailed his captain for all the confidence he gave him to perform.

“Spin and flight are my strengths and MS (Dhoni) backed me to bowl without pressure,” said Mishra who has been in and out of the Indian team.

“It's difficult when you sit out matches after matches but I always think positive and tried to improve.”

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