Greenshirts upbeat ahead of Aussie clash

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

Friday, May 14, 2010
From Abdul Mohi Shah

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricketers are in upbeat mood ahead of the World Twenty20 semifinal against Australia, pledging not to repeat the mistakes they committed during their earlier pool match against the same opponents.

Pakistan cricket team manager Yawar Saeed said in an telephonic interview with ‘The News’ from West Indies on THursday that all players were geared up to take on the Aussies.

“They (players) needed a bit of confidence and they got that with their victory against South Africa. Now the team has attained a level where it would not be easy for any side to beat us.”

Yawar said that whatever happened in the past is now history and the team and the management is totally concentrating on the semifinal on Friday (today).

“How we have reached the semis and how Australia has made it to the pre-final is immaterial now. Australia faces same challenges that we face. The better team would come out victorious.

“Players have watched the TV footage of the earlier match against the Aussies and realised where they were wrong.

“Every player has vowed not to repeat the same mistakes and play the match to the best of their abilities.”

Another official said on the condition of anonymity that for the last two days, the team has been devising a strategy for the semis.

“Though you have to keep on changing your every move with the changing situation at the field on the given day, there is a need for chalking up basic planning for the semifinals and that what we did during the last two days,” he said.

Pakistan have yet to give final shape to their playing line up for the semis.

“There is only one place where there is a chance of making adjustments. Misbah-ul-Haq has not been able to get his hundred percent so far. Should he be dropped or there is a need for his readjustment is questions that needed an answer. However, all these options would be considered in a team meeting schedule for late on Thursday evening,” the official added.