Wahab Riaz positive Pakistan can make a comeback after India defeat

Pakistan had a chastening start to their T20 World Cup campaign as they lost by 64 runs to India, following a spectacular batting collapse. They are part of the tougher of the two groups, where they are drawn alongside South Africa, Australia, Bangladesh and the Netherlands, besides India. But their head coach Wahab Riaz is positive that Pakistan can bounce back in the upcoming matches.

Riaz pointed out that despite the defeat, Pakistan played what he called positive cricket. He is correct to some extent. Pakistan’s bowling did trouble India before Smriti Mandhana’s dropped catches hurt them eventually. Pakistan were able to get two quick wickets within the powerplay, and had it not been for Mandhana’s innings and Richa Ghosh’s late-innings cameo, Pakistan were in a rather comfortable position.

Wahab backs team's approach

Wahab said things will take time after Pakistan went through a change in their think tank.

“We just took over in the last four months. We have taken over this Pakistan cricket team and you cannot make a lot of changes in the way they have been playing and change the pattern overnight. So obviously it will take some time,” Riaz said after the defeat.

“The good thing is that what we want to do is compete with international standards where you need to score more runs in the Powerplay. You need to score at least 170 to be in the game and you have to maintain that approach."

Ahead of the India fixture, Wahab had urged the team to play fearless cricket and the head coach wants the team to stick to that mindset. Riaz also banked on the team’s preparation ahead of the tournament, which, he says, has shown signs of progress. Pakistan were able to defeat Zimbabwe 3-0 in a home series and they also defeated South Africa in a T20I before that.

Signs of progress despite setback

“The message is very clear that we need to play positive cricket and fearless cricket. In this span of four months, nothing can change drastically.

“But the girls have been putting in a lot of effort and we are seeing glimpses in the bilateral series we have played. There are positives, but we need to finish games better. That is where we are falling short and I think we will get hold of it.”

“There are glimpses of positivity and we will take that forward. It is always going to be a game of nerves and we are working hard on it. You win one, you lose one. Unfortunately, we were on the losing side today,” he added.

ALSO READ:

PCB introduces format-based central contract structure- IPL