Shadab unperturbed by loss

KARACHI: Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan was happy with the way his team fought against Lahore Qalandars in the lost cause on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, saying every effort would be made not to repeat the mistakes in coming matches.

“The way we tried to defend the low total was good. I am very happy the way the bowlers performed and fielders backed them,” Shadab said after Islamabad United were beaten by Lahore Qalandars by five wickets in their first game of the Abu Dhabi leg of the HBL PSL-6 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

“We will take this positive into the next matches,” Shadab was quick to add.

He said that they failed to play according to the situation. “We should have played according to the pitch and situation but unfortunately we could not play like that but we will learn from our mistakes. This pitch is a little bit dodgy unlike Karachi’s flat pitch and so we will have to change the strategy as a batting unit,” Shadab said.

Expressing satisfaction over his team’s strength Shadab said the dew factor would be there. “Our combination is good and boys are in top shape. The dew factor will play its role here. Today the pitch behaviour changed in the second innings and after seven to eight overs spinners no longer remained effective unlike in the first innings when spinners got support from the pitch. We have to learn from these things and toss will also be important,” Shadab said.

The all-rounder was happy with his fitness after returning to competitive cricket following a prolonged injury. “I was playing a match after two to three months and there was pressure on me. I am very happy and very confident as my fitness was also good and I also delivered today,” Shadab said.