The equation is pretty clear for Pakistan: Hafeez

Published March 29, 2014
"The picture is very clear. We have to win every game to enter the semifinals." -Photo by AP
"The picture is very clear. We have to win every game to enter the semifinals." -Photo by AP

Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez said Saturday he is pleased archrival India has secured a semifinal berth at the World Twenty20 because it gives other teams a clear scenario of what's needed to join them in the next stage.

"India has played very good cricket so far and it's good they are through and the rest of the teams know what it will take to advance," Hafeez said on the eve of Pakistan's next Group 2 game against Bangladesh. "The picture is very clear. We have to win every game to enter the semifinals."

Pakistan lost to India by seven wickets but defeated Australia by 16 runs in a high-scoring game. It now needs to beat both Bangladesh and the West Indies to advance.

India has won its first three games and is due to play Australia in the other game on Sunday.

"There's no chance of making any mistakes and we're ready for that," Hafeez said. "Our guys showed great character in the last game and we've really trained hard over the last six days and worked on our weaknesses. I feel the building up for the crucial stage of the tournament has gone off very well."

Hafeez said the 2009 champion was looking to win the tournament once again.

"We always look to do well in tournaments and expectations (from us) should remain high. Our target is not only to reach the semifinals but to win the tournament," said Hafeez, confirming that batsman Umar Akmal had recovered from a hamstring injury he suffered during the match against Australia.

"The break came as a blessing in disguise," Hafeez said. "It gave time to the physios to work on him. He has been training for the last two days."

Hafeez knows the tougher game will be against the West Indies on Tuesday, but refused to take Bangladesh lightly even though the hosts have lost both matches so far.

"No team is easy to beat in T20 cricket," he said. "You have to do the basics right every time. We respect Bangladesh and will do our best to win."

Opinion

Accessing the RSF

Accessing the RSF

RSF can help catalyse private sector inves­tment encouraging investment flows, build upon institutional partnerships with MDBs, other financial institutions.

Editorial

Madressah oversight
Updated 19 Dec, 2024

Madressah oversight

Bill should be reconsidered and Directorate General of Religious Education, formed to oversee seminaries, should not be rolled back.
Kurram’s misery
Updated 19 Dec, 2024

Kurram’s misery

The state must recognise that allowing such hardship to continue undermines its basic duty to protect citizens’ well-being.
Hiking gas rates
19 Dec, 2024

Hiking gas rates

IMPLEMENTATION of a new Ogra recommendation to increase the gas prices by an average 8.7pc or Rs142.45 per mmBtu in...
Geopolitical games
Updated 18 Dec, 2024

Geopolitical games

While Assad may be gone — and not many are mourning the end of his brutal rule — Syria’s future does not look promising.
Polio’s toll
18 Dec, 2024

Polio’s toll

MONDAY’s attacks on polio workers in Karak and Bannu that martyred Constable Irfanullah and wounded two ...
Development expenditure
18 Dec, 2024

Development expenditure

PAKISTAN’S infrastructure development woes are wide and deep. The country must annually spend at least 10pc of its...