Expecting Pakistan To Do Well In The West Indies: Misbah-Ul-Haq

Pakistan head coach Misbah-Ul-Haq has faced constant criticism for not helping the national team maintain its consistency. Though Pakistan had a successful tour of South Africa, they faced a setback in England, losing both the white-ball formats. As the team prepares to face the West Indies, Misbah-Ul-Haq hopes for the men in green to put on a better show in the Caribbean.

Former Pakistan cricketers lashed out at the national team for losing the ODI series by 3-0 to an English side without most of their key players. While the tourists bounced back to win the opening T20I, they conceded the final two. Their underwhelming batting performance in the last couple of games cost them the series. Meanwhile, Pakistan and West Indies will lock horns in five T20Is and two Tests, starting with the shortest format on the 27th.

Misbah-Ul-Haq opined that the players found difficulties in adjusting to the conditions as the conditions were different in the PSL. But the former Pakistan skipper expects the men in green to do well as the pitches in the West Indies are similar to that in Abu Dhabi. Misbah also observed that their middle-order is still struggling; however, believes they have their combination finalized for the T20 World Cup.

“The players were coming into the ODI series against England after playing the T20 format (HBL PSL 6) so it was difficult for them to get adjust quickly. After playing in England, we had some good practice and the conditions in the last two matches in England were same as in Abu Dhabi and like here in West Indies so I expect players to do well here. We are near to our final combination. Our middle-order is not performing as well as our top order. We didn’t get the desired results in England series, but we know about our combination,” Misbah told in a press conference as quoted by PCB’s official website.

Staying in a bubble is always different as you don’t have those social activities: Misbah-Ul-Haq

Misbah-Ul-Haq further said that everyone has to used to get to the bubble now as both PCB and WICB have tried creating a safe atmosphere for the players. The 47-year old pointed out that they have lack of social activities while staying in the bubble; however, accepts this is how it’s supposed to be and that everyone is still adapting.

“Overall the scenario is the same in every sports activity so we have to live with that. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) are trying that players play in a safe environment. Staying in a bubble is always different as you don’t have that social activities, and you have to travel from one bubble to another so there is always a difficulty, but cricket and other sports have to go on like this for some time so I guess everyone is trying to adapt,” he added.

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