'We had no idea about the conditions,' says Malik after India loss

Published February 28, 2016
Hardik Pandya celebrates after the dismissal of the Shoaib Malik during the match between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup T20. — AFP
Hardik Pandya celebrates after the dismissal of the Shoaib Malik during the match between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup T20. — AFP

DHAKA: Pakistan miscalculated the pitch in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka and will learn from their mistakes after a crushing five-wicket loss to bitter rivals India, batsman Shoaib Malik said Sunday.

Pakistan were bundled out for a paltry 83 in Saturday's crucial T20 tie against M.S. Dhoni's side.

They must win against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday to keep their Asia Cup hope alive.

The game has an added significance as it will make Pakistan the first team to play 100 Twenty20 internationals.

“Playing against India, it's a pressure game for both the teams,” Malik said after a training session in Dhaka.

“We made some mistakes, we didn't know what the conditions here would be. It was tough to bat yesterday. But we miscalculated somewhat, because we had no idea about the conditions,” he said.

“Now we have played. Now we know how to deal with it. It's going to be a great game against UAE. Obviously, you learn from your mistakes, and that's why we are here doing practice,” Malik added.

When Pakistan defended their meagre total, Mohammad Amir generated pace and swing with pinpoint accuracy on a helpful track to leave India rattled at 8-3 inside three overs.

But Virat Kohli coolly negotiated Amir's fiery spell to strike 49 off 51 balls and steer India home with 27 balls to spare.

Malik expressed full confidence in his bowlers and urged the batsmen to back them up.

“We know we have the best attack among all the teams. Batsmen have to take responsibility,” he said.

“Whoever gets in has to score 60-70, so your team ends up scoring 140-150, which the bowlers can defend.”

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...