Sarfraz Nawaz blames ‘poor planning’ for Pak defeat against India in Asia Cup match

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Islamabad, Mar 20: Former Pakistan fast-bowler Sarfraz Nawaz, who mentored the team’s fast-bowlers before the Asia Cup, has said that poor planning led to their defeat against India on Sunday.

“All our bowlers were beaten in the match. And I believe poor planning led to the defeat against India,” The Express Tribune quoted Sarfraz, as saying.

The former fast-bowler also defended Riaz’s show after the left-armer conceded 50 off four overs, helping India’s cause in the run-chase.

“As far as Riaz is concerned, the team management shattered his confidence with a number of poor decisions. They didn’t give him a chance in the opening two matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka after he warmed the bench during the series against England as well.”

“Then all of a sudden he was included for a tense encounter and wasn’t even used properly. Then the decision to open with a spinner Mohammad Hafeez dented the pacers’ confidence. Riaz was introduced when the Indian batsmen were on fire. How can you expect a bowler to perform without match practice in such circumstances?” he added.

Meanwhile, former captain Rashid Latif felt that defensive planning led to defeat against India.

“Pakistan adopted a defensive strategy. Their approach could be gauged by their decision to drop a regular wicket-keeper.”

Another former Test cricketer Tauseef Ahmed believed pacers’ failure in the match cost defeat.

“If Riaz failed, then Hammad should have been given the ball.” (ANI)