Published: Nov 12, 2013, 02:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 12, 2013, 02:44 PM (IST)
Misbah-ul-Haq said the consistent batting failures are worrying for Pakistan © Getty Images (File photo)
Sharjah: Nov 12, 2013
Captain Misbah-ul-Haq says Pakistan‘s trouncing in the one-day series against South Africa is an ominous portent before the 2015 World Cup.
Pakistan went down by 117 runs in the fifth and final match in Sharjah on Monday, losing the series 4-1.
Batting was once again the problem with Pakistan, chasing a target of 269, folding for 151 in 35.3 overs.
Misbah said the consistent batting failures are worrying.
“As a captain this is very difficult for me and these are worrying signs for me before the World Cup 2015,” he said after the match.
Pakistan have been let down by their batsmen since their 3-0 Test rout in South Africa. They also lost the one-day series 3-2 in February-March this year.
In June they lost all three of their matches in the Champions Trophy in England, and despite their one-day win in the West Indies the batting remains a headache.
In September Pakistan lost a one-day game and a Test match against cricketing minnows Zimbabwe.
“Every player has got adequate chances, more than two series, and yet they are not performing and it’s a big worry,” the captain said.
“But rather making a big hue and cry over it we must sit down and think seriously about it. As captain you are responsible,” said Misbah, who took over as Test captain in 2010 and one-day skipper in 2011.
Asked if he wants to keep the captaincy until the 2015 World Cup, he replied: “I always say this and I maintain that I want to play as long as I am fit.”
Pakistan vs South Africa — Live on Ten Cricket
