Lahore (APP): Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has said his team would have to maintain its discipline to seize the historic T20 international series against the World XI in the intriguing finale on Friday.
Pakistan beat the World XI by 20 runs on a momentous Tuesday which marked the return of international cricket to the country. But the World XI, starring players from seven different countries, roared back with a seven-wicket victory in the second game on Wednesday, looking more settled and relaxed after being slightly numbed by the security and the occasion earlier.
Arthur said Pakistan, a relatively inexperienced and young team, had failed to keep its discipline in the last five overs in the second game.
“It was disappointing that we could not defend a 175-run target,” he said. “We lost our discipline in the last five overs and during that phase a crucial catch was dropped.”
With 63 needed in the final five overs, Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera took it upon himself and thrashed a whirlwind 19-ball 47 not out to thwart Pakistan’s chances. He hit Sohail Khan for two sixes but was dropped at long off by Shoaib Malik – a serious turning point in the match. Then with 10 needed in the final over sent down by Rumman Raees, Perera lifted the penultimate ball over long on for the six that sealed the match.
“We tried to bowl him at full and wanted him to hit towards cover than being hit straight but the plan could not be executed,” said Arthur, adding that the team is young and will be trying different things.
We will give every chance to youngsters to groom and develop, the coach added.
Hasan Ali, the fast rising Pakistan paceman who missed the last game with a sore back, is likely to return today after being rested on Wednesday to avoid any aggravation to the injury.
The World XI, on the other hand, is expected to give George Bailey, the former Australian limited overs captain, a go before the series ends.
