Pakistan Head Coach Mickey Arthur while briefing a press conference in Welsh capital Cardiff on Tuesday, admitted he wasn’t happy with the way they won against Sri Lanka after having a good start at the top, as he conceded middle-order has faltered which isn’t any positive sign for the team adding the lads are working hard to make it count against solid England in the semi-final clash on Thursday.
“We do sometimes make it difficult for ourselves. We were probably soft at times yesterday. But the guys are working very hard. We are evolving as a team,” Arthur told during his pre-match press conference to a media gathering.
After conceding Pakistan is struggling with the middle-order line-up, Arthur revealed that he is holding a meeting with skipper Sarfraz Ahmed while hinting towards the batting order.
“We may try to get Safi [Sarfraz Ahmed] and [Shoaib] Malik in a little bit earlier. We have to discuss what happens,” Arthur maintained.
Arthur revealed there is an emotional touch to the game, as he believes Pakistan has to play regular and quality cricket, in order to bring stability to the team, as he eventually feels which is an uphill task at the point in time.
“It is emotionally tough at times. We are trying to play more and more consistent cricket, we are trying to get better in that department, but it is a tough ride every now and then,” Arthur said.
The 49-year-old South African believes at times the unpredictability becomes strength while adding the jobs assigned to the players are aware of their strength according to the situation and condition.
“Sometimes, that’s our strength… Our unpredictability. We give the guys clear roles, they know what they need to do,” Arthur revealed.
Arthur has further admitted England team have played top-notch cricket and according to him, Pakistan has to give their best on-field particularly in the batting department.
“We certainly want to come out and put our best game forward and win, and we want to go to London. We’ve always said that. That’s been our mantra right from the start of this competition,” Arthur stated.
Looking unimpressive with the win over Islanders, Arthur termed it ‘ugly’ win while revealing boys are ready for the challenge at the Sophia Gardens.
“The last thing I want is for us to go away now thinking that we got to a semifinal, we’re okay, we’ve achieved, because that would be a copout in my mind,” Arthur further added.
Talking about his wards, Arthur reiterated he is expecting a quality cricket from Pakistan while enhancing the game one after another after training hard in nets and working on the basics of the game.
“We’d like us to do the basics a lot better, day in and day out, and that’s what we train for every day. So we’re getting better. We’re making strides in that area,” Arthur concluded.
After claiming a three-wicket win in a thrilling low-scoring against Sri Lanka, in a final Group B match which was also the make or break for both the Asian teams, Men in Green are going to face in-form after a day’s break.