Sadiq Mohammad praises Pakistan’s spirited display
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Former Test cricketer Sadiq Mohammad has appreciated the spirited display from Pakistan team and the way it levelled the series against England 2-2 here at the National Stadium by winning the fourth and final T20 of the Karachi leg on Sunday night.
“Pakistan team spirit was at peak. It put everything in it,” Sadiq told this correspondent following a three-run victory from the hosts due to terrific bowling from Haris Rauf in the penultimate over.
“Defending such a moderate total, Pakistani bowlers really bowled well. They bowled stumps to stumps and fielders also equally backed them. This is called 500 percent team effort,” Sadiq said.
Sadiq said that Pakistan’s batting was a bit vulnerable.
“Pakistan‘s batting was a bit vulnerable. After such a good start by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Pakistan should have scored at least 185 but the last five overs did go well until Asif Ali came in and hit two sixes to give some stability to the total and provide some space to the bowlers,” said Sadiq, also a former Test opener.
“All especially the head coach boosted team morale and gave confidence to his bowlers to maintain good line and length and bowl within the stumps to make it difficult for the English batsmen,” Sadiq said.
He also lauded Mohammad Rizwan for another glorious innings he played for the nation.
“Rizwan did a fine job again and showed enormous consistency in batting. He was equally well in wicket-keeping,” Sadiq said.
He also appreciated Karachi crowd who came in large numbers and backed both the teams. “Our security personnel also did a fine job to keep peace and this is a big message that Pakistan is a peace-loving country. I hope Lahore crowd will also back cricket in days to come and will ensure the series a success,” Sadiq said.
The series is now levelled 2-2. Both sides on Monday headed to Lahore and will engage in the remaiing three matches which will be held on September 28, 30 and October 2 at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.