Pakistan's middle-order woes have yet to be resolved, admits Misbah ahead of WI series

Misbah-ul-Haq stressed that each game ahead of the T20 World Cup in October was crucial

By Web Desk
July 24, 2021
Misbah-ul-Haq stressed that each game ahead of the T20 World Cup in October was crucial

Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said on Friday that the team’s issues in the middle-order have yet to be resolved following their defeat during the England tour.

Speaking at a virtual press conference from Barbados, where the team is to begin its T20I series against West Indies from July 27, the former skipper stressed that each game ahead of the T20 World Cup in October was crucial.

"We are close to finding out our final combination. We still have the same problems, that our middle order isn't performing the way our top order is. We know 8-9 players of our playing XI as well as their replacements,” he said.

"We have to view every game as important and improve our performance. England were a top team in difficult conditions, but we have to look at a roadmap for improvement. Of course, losses shatter your confidence, and we just have to try and build it back,” he added.

"The results before the England series were much improved, we won 3 series in a row,” he continued.

“[Mohammad] Hafeez has not been doing as well as he did last year, and other middle-order players are struggling. Overall, the team is better but if these two aspects of our game improve, then we'd be in a much better position. The importance of three-dimensional players and the lower middle order is very important. Players like Hasan Ali and Shadab (Khan) and their performances are crucial, but the link with the middle order needs to be stronger,” said Misbah.

Coming to the defense of Azam Khan, whose selection had stirred a bit of controversy, Misbah said: "Azam only really had one innings, so it's very early to say anything about him. When he plays more, things will become clearer. Whichever player bats at that position needs to score quick runs. When you play at number six your average might not be very high, so you can't judge on one game.”

"But it's true, we didn't bowl as well in England as we did in South Africa or at home. There have been some huge overs we've allowed which has had an impact on results,” he added. 

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