Shadab vows not to repeat mistakes in series decider today

ISLAMABAD: All-rounder Shadab Khan promised not to repeat mistakes in the third T20I against England on Tuesday (today), admitting that the Green-shirts faltered on two fronts enabling the hosts to draw level.

In a post-match media talk, Shadab admitted the bowlers conceded 30 to 40 runs extra and the middle-order failure let the team down. “We were confident we could restrict England to around 170 but we conceded 30 to 40 runs extra that ultimately cost us the match. While chasing, our middle-order could not do well. Following a brilliant start upfront we lost a few wickets quickly, resulting in unnecessary pressure on the lower order batting line up,” he said.

“England are the world champions and are also enjoying home conditions. On the other hand our performance was not to the level we had hoped,” he added. He vowed not to repeat mistakes going into the series decider. “Now our efforts will be to go all out and not to repeat mistakes both in bowling and batting. We know there is absolutely no room for any mistake,” he said.

The all-rounder defended the team’s decision to put the opposition to bat first on the heels of Pakistan’s spectacular display while batting first in the series opener. “Everyone knows that England has so many hard hitters. Our decision to ask them to bat first was based on the opposition’s batting strength.

“We also chased down big totals in the past so we thought we would be in a position to chase the total again. There was also nothing wrong with the batting order. We expect these batsmen to perform but we have to make some adjustments in the third T20 to win, “ he said.

Shadab played down general criticism on Pakistan’s strategy of giving less weightage to spinners. “We played with two spinners. Hafeez Bhai was also there. Unexpectedly, the pitch at Leeds started gripping late in the first twenty overs.

By the time we started batting there was considerable help and grip for the spinners. Yet, I feel that had we been left to chase around 170 we had good chances of winning the match. Conditions did change later in the match as bowlers started getting help from the track,” he added.