CARDIFF, Wales: Sometimes one single good result can change everything. Last Monday, Pakistan seemed like a team in tatters.
They went into their shell after the 124-run defeat against India at Edgbaston last Sunday. They hid from their fans. Their shoulders drooped and their body language seemed pathetic.
But Wednesday’s 19-run win against South Africa has transformed them completely. The metamorphosis from a bunch of losers to a team that is itching to take the field against any opposition is certainly a surprising one.
On Saturday, head coach Mickey Arthur expressed his delight over the upbeat mood in the Pakistan camp ahead of their Champions Trophy ‘quarter-final’ against Sri Lanka on Monday (tomorrow).
“The mood in the camp is excellent. There is this marked transformation (after beating South Africa,” Arthur said at the sidelines of a training session here on Saturday.
Arthur said that he had a long, hard discussion with his players after the loss against India.
“We definitely had some good discussion. I still have the same belief that we didn’t believe in ourselves (in the match against India. We didn’t go all out against India. We got intimidated which was a disappointing thing.
“The way we came back against South Africa there was this freshness and the intensity was good. We were all incredibly disappointed with our performance against India. We were very tentative. Against South Africa we expressed ourselves. We bowled exceptionally well. We executed our plan against them. I just like the freshness and intensity that the team exhibited (in the previous game).
Asked whether Pakistan were a side that did well only when the pitch gave their bowlers assistance, Arthur responded by stressing that Pakistan were capable of doing well in all types of conditions.
“We cover all bases. If there is a little bit in the wicket. We will expose that too with our seamers. It’s a one-day unit all-round. It’s a very good side.”
Arthur said that the best thing about his team was that all the players were willing to take responsibility.
“We have had some good, honest conversation. The players are contributing to these conversations. They are starting to take responsibility. You have to have mature conversations to move forward.”
Pakistan take on Sri Lanka tomorrow fully aware that the momentum was with the Islanders who shocked defending champions India in a high-scoring encounter at The Oval.
“They (Sri Lanka) played exceptionally against India. They are playing fearless cricket. They are going to be a tough side to beat. On their day they can beat anybody. We will really have to be at our best,” Arthur said.
Arthur was all praise for his young guns like Hasan Ali, who played the lead role in Pakistan’s much-needed win against the Proteas.
“He has impressed me. I’m very close to all these guys. Hasan is one of those boys who have been improving a lot. He has developed really well. He is fitter and better and I’m sure he will go on to become a very good all-rounder. He stands out as a beacon.”
Arthur was very disappointed by the conduct of Umar Akmal but rejected the impression that he was not on the same page with chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.
“He (Umar Akmal) has to go out there and do it. The players know what they have to do. The standards are there. We are developing a culture of hard work and commitment. I am very disappointed with Umar Akmal. Inzi and I are on the same page on such issues.”