PAK v SL 2019: Sarfaraz says Akmal, Shehzad deserved another go after solid domestic performances

The duo has failed on their comeback for Pakistan in the ongoing T20I series.

Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal | Getty

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has come out in support of under scanner Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad after their failure to perform on comeback versus Sri Lanka in the ongoing T20I series in Lahore. 

Akmal and Shehzad went cheaply again as Pakistan went down 2-0 in the three-match series on Monday (October 7) which has only raised question marks over the team management's decision to bring them back. 

"If you look at their domestic performances, they've been really well and deserved an opportunity," captain Sarfaraz, however, said after his team's 35-run loss in the second game as the familiar batting problems resurfaced for the No.1 ranked T20I side. 

READ ALSO: Under-fire Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal get backing from Misbah-ul-Haq

"With the bat, we lost too many wickets in the first 10 overs and from there, it's always a tough ask. Boys are trying hard, so can't be too harsh on them, hopefully, they'll learn from this."

Pakistan conceded a total of 182/6 on the day. So its bowling wasn't upto the mark either, as Sarfaraz also noted. "I don't think we played good cricket in both games in any of the departments," he said. "We will need to rethink about our bowling strategies and also be sharper on the field. A couple of key run out chances were missed."

"If we don't get wickets in the middle overs, it will hurt in the shorter formats."

Sri Lanka rallied its way on the back of superb efforts from young batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa and experienced pacer Nuwan Pradeep. The former struck a wonderful 48-ball 77, while the latter returned with figures of 4/25. Rajapaksa was awarded the "Player-of-the-Match". 

"I don't think it's an easy task to come to Pakistan and beat the no.1 T20I side," he said. "But I got good encouragement from the coaching staff and support staff. It means a lot to me to contribute to beating the world's no.1 T20I side."

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka also expressed delight after the result saying: "We played some quality cricket and that's why we got these results. Rajapaksa played a masterclass innings. We had a plan and did well to stick to it."

"These youngsters should get more chances after this tour but there are senior players as well. It's upto the selectors."

(Inputs from Cricbuzz)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 08 Oct, 2019

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