KARACHI: The only way Pakistan can hope to defeat high-flying South Africa to revive their topsy-turvy World Cup campaign is by taking the field with a fearless approach, according to former captain Mushtaq Mohammad.

Expressing his concerns over Pakistan’s lacklustre display in the opening three matches, Mushtaq, 71 told Dawn in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that Misbah-u-Haq’s team cannot afford to play with a timid mindset if they aspire to qualify for the knockout stage.

“As I see it Pakistan must come out with completely different game plans to challenge South Africa [in Auckland] on Saturday. They just can’t afford to play like what they did in the first three games,” Mushtaq warned.

“The body language has got to change because they have the ability and the potential to beat any team. At the moment there is a clear lack of self-belief in their ranks.

“This is not an understatement but an honest opinion. To achieve their goals, Pakistan need to regroup without further delay. Sarfraz Ahmed, in my opinion, should be playing. His inclusion will solve the chronic batting problem at the top and at the same time, will relieve Umar Akmal of wicket-keeping duties.”

Mushtaq, one of the finest skippers Pakistan ever had, remarked that the Zimbabwe game shouldn’t have gone close as it did.

“Pakistan should have been clinical rather jittery in Brisbane. It was very disappointing to see our players perform below potential at the Gabba. In fact, I would say that Pakistan were very fortunate to win the match,” he observed.

“The batting is not clicking at all, which is a cause for deep concern. The bowling has been good generally but our fielding is one of the worst exhibitions seen in the World Cup.

“Some will say Shahid Afridi has not taken single wicket. But I think he is extremely unfortunate in that regard because five catches were missed off his bowling, including three muffed by Umar Akmal. Mind you those were simple chances.”

While commenting on Wednesday’s must-win fixture against part-timers United Arab Emirates at the McLean Park in Napier, Mushtaq assessed: “It is a godsend opportunity for Pakistan to retune themselves against a side considered minnows. This is one moment they can ill-afford to miss out to get their combination sorted out.

“On paper Pakistan are the obvious favourites but they have to be precise whatever they have in the mind. They must forget what had happened in the earlier games. That’s history now and there is no point in talking about it.

“The focus should be to look ahead and plan accordingly. If Pakistan win convincingly [against the UAE] it would be a blessing for the sterner battles ahead.”

The England-based Mushtaq, who is here on holiday from Birmingham, advised those critical of Misbah and pointed out it would only serve to create an atmosphere of disharmony among Pakistan supporters.

“If there is some logic in this sort of stuff then I would say that this is not the ideal time to discuss it. As captain, Misbah is doing his best to lift the team. As batsman, he is giving his all for the sake of the team,” Mushtaq said. “All of us should be standing not only behind Misbah but the entire team and encourage them to play as a unit. Criticism at this stage won’t do any good.”

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2015

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