MOHALI (AFP) - A tentative Australia will need to raise
their game when they take on Pakistan in a must-win group match of the World
Twenty20 in Mohali on Friday.
The Australians gave Bangladesh a second straight defeat in their previous junket but survived a scare against Mashrafe Mortaza’s depleted side.
The leading 50-over world champions have appeared tentative at best, going down to New Zealand in their opening encounter and sweating for a win against the Tigers.
"We haven’t been good enough in the middle overs. We made it hard at the end," captain Steven Smith admitted after the game against Bangladesh.
"Pakistan and India play well in these conditions and we have to do better. Our players have to familiarize better," he said, referring to his team’s next two outings in the tournament.
Pakistan are hurting after defeats to India and an extraordinary New Zealand, who have already booked their place in the semi-finals from Group B.
Another defeat will finish off Pakistan’s hopes of progressing any further in the tournament, a huge disappointment for a side that was eyeing a repeat of their 2009 title winning feat.
Skipper Shahid Afridi, who has taken flak for his side’s performances, looked depressed as he hinted at an pending retirement after the defeat to the Black Caps.
"In every game, we’re making mistakes and it’s not good for us. Maybe the next game will be the last one of my career," the flashy all-rounder said.
"For now we have to forget this game and focus on Australia," said the 36-year-old who no longer plays Test and one-day cricket and has retired on several occasions.
The Australians gave Bangladesh a second straight defeat in their previous junket but survived a scare against Mashrafe Mortaza’s depleted side.
The leading 50-over world champions have appeared tentative at best, going down to New Zealand in their opening encounter and sweating for a win against the Tigers.
"We haven’t been good enough in the middle overs. We made it hard at the end," captain Steven Smith admitted after the game against Bangladesh.
"Pakistan and India play well in these conditions and we have to do better. Our players have to familiarize better," he said, referring to his team’s next two outings in the tournament.
Pakistan are hurting after defeats to India and an extraordinary New Zealand, who have already booked their place in the semi-finals from Group B.
Another defeat will finish off Pakistan’s hopes of progressing any further in the tournament, a huge disappointment for a side that was eyeing a repeat of their 2009 title winning feat.
Skipper Shahid Afridi, who has taken flak for his side’s performances, looked depressed as he hinted at an pending retirement after the defeat to the Black Caps.
"In every game, we’re making mistakes and it’s not good for us. Maybe the next game will be the last one of my career," the flashy all-rounder said.
"For now we have to forget this game and focus on Australia," said the 36-year-old who no longer plays Test and one-day cricket and has retired on several occasions.
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