Misbah hints at including youngsters against Zimbabwe
After a successful tour of South Africa, Pakistan are now heading towards their next assignment of three T20Is and two Test matches against Zimbabwe.
Ahead of the first T20I against Zimbabwe, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq interacted with the media and shared his thoughts and plans for the upcoming tours of Pakistan. He also hoped to continue the same performance and momentum.
“First of all, the series against South Africa has boosted the confidence of the players. We’ve got a young team with a young captain and when you win in tough and unfamiliar conditions, it always boosts your confidence as a team. Hopefully, we will continue the same performance against Zimbabwe as well, ’’ Misbah said.
When asked about the preparations for the upcoming T20I and Test series against Zimbabwe, Misbah stated that there will be more pressure on the men in green facing a team like Zimbabwe that has nothing to lose.
“Obviously the level of expectations while playing against Zimbabwe goes really high. Everybody expects you to win and try new combinations. However, the hosts will have nothing to lose against us and that puts us under more pressure than we were against South Africa,” he added.
He also talked about giving chances to the players who have been traveling with the team for the past year or so. According to Misbah, the team management cannot simply put all the youngsters in the playing XI as setting up a ‘winning combination’ is equally important.
“We will definitely try and give chances to the deserving youngsters. However, you simply cannot add all of your backup players in the playing XI even against a weaker side. You try to form a winning combination as well as giving chances to youngsters at the same time,” said Misbah.
The head coach was also asked about the chances of seeing the explosive opener Sharjeel Khan in action against Zimbabwe. The left-hander was dropped after he failed with the bat in the 2nd T20I against South Africa.
“Sharjeel is obviously working hard on his fitness but right now sitting here, I cannot guarantee his place in all three T20Is of the series. Still, we will try and use him according to our needs and requirements. We’re looking to give chances to everybody without compromising the strength of the team,” Misbah concluded.
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