Pakistan: Misbah laments over loss, calls it 'very disappointing'

After Pakistan’s humiliating 0-3 defeat in T20 series against a second-string Sri Lanka team, new he coach Misbah-ul-Haq expressed his displeasure over country’s cricket system. He also lamented at lack of talent at domestic level. Furrmore, he ded that Sri Lanka h outclassed Pakistan in all three departments of game. He conceded that it was a one-sided series.  

He said, "This series has been an eye-opener for us and everyone else. se same players have been around for a while w. More or less,  same team which me us number one and has been playing toger for around three to four years w." Misbah ded, "We were poor and t even at par in all three departments against m. Sri Lanka outclassed us in every department, it was an almost one-sided series.” 

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Accepts responsibility for defeat 

While Pakistan he coach did accept responsibility for series, he was also sarcastic in his response. He opined he was just 10 days into his new assignment. Talking about poor form of leg-spinner Shab Khan, he asked press to suggest a more capable replacement.  

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"Yes, I take responsibility for series defeat. It is very disappointing and we played poorly. But this is same team which me us number one. Same players who have been playing for around three years. If you want to blame me, fine. I have been just 10 days on job and yes about changes, I asked a right-hand batsman to start batting left-handed and told a left-hand bowler to start bowling right-hand, right," Misbah remarked. Commenting on Shab Khan’s inclusion, he retorted, "But tell me ar wrist spinner who we can select to replace Shab. Name one deserving wrist-spinner on domestic circuit whom we did t select.” 

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Defends Pakistan skipper 

Misbah deflected criticism on out-of-form Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who dropped catches and missed stumping chances as well. Moreover, he compared ability of experienced players to play spin as against younger lot.  

he coach commented, "Yes, only wicketkeeper is t playing well, rest of 10 players are doing so well.” Highlighting Pakistani batsmen’s problems in facing spin, he said, "Shoaib Malik and Muhamm Hafeez are our most seasoned players and play spin very well. Our youngsters face pace very well but face problems against spinners, wrist spinners." 

(With PTI inputs)

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