Pakistan coach Waqar Younis agreed the runs added by the Sri Lankan lower order and the incisive spell by Lasith Malinga were the reasons for defeat on Tuesday. “I think we gave away too many runs towards the end. I think we should have restricted them to less than 242 after having them at 168 for seven. It was not the best of bowling efforts and we should have done better in the field. Lasith Malinga came in and bowled superbly,” said Waqar.
Despite the reverse, Pakistan can take a lot from Shoaib Akhtar’s comeback. The veteran operated in good rhythm but Waqar noted the temperamental speedster had some distance to cover. “He has a long way to go, bowled well to pick three wickets which is good for us but I don’t think he is still not really there. I think he will get better with more games.” Akhtar, who completed his quota in four spells finished with figures of 10-1-41-3.
For a team that has undergone many changes in the last three months, a positive result against the formidable hosts would have been an ideal start. “We are re-building and we have three youngsters on this tour and we are looking to bring in some more for the tour to England. Cricket at this level is tough, it was their first game, there were a few nerves around, I hope they come good in the coming games,” said Waqar adding that their match against India has become crucial now.
Praising Shahid Afridi’s knock, Waqar said: “That’s the way he bats. We have been playing too many T20s so he did not really get the opportunity to play many overs. He looked like the Afridi of old playing without fear,” said Waqar.
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‘Aamer is innocent’
AGE CORRESPONDENT
Dambulla
June 16: Fresh controversy followed Pakistan after their defeat to Sri Lanka on Tuesday. A section of the media reported Mohammed Aamer had used his mobile phone inside the dressing room when Pakistan were batting.
Manager Yawar Saeed provided an explanation. “All I have said to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit is that Aamir’s posture sitting next to me in front of the camera with his hand on his helmet speaking to all of us unfortunately had given the impression of him speaking on a mobile phone,” said Saeed.
“We have got a security manager who collects all the cell phones and gives it back to the players after the match. If someone wants to break the law he will not be sitting next to the manager while doing it,” added Saeed.