Birmingham: Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq made all his countrymen here proud by endorsing their strength and stamina.
On how Pakistan continuously produces such good pacers, Haq, on the eve of his team’s crucial group match against South Africa, said: “You can say that genetically, our people are a bit stronger. The conditions are also not conducive for seam bowling back home, so it is really hard work for everyone in Pakistan. If ever you want to be a fast bowler, then you really need to be hard working. All these factors have helped people to bowl a bit quicker than other people in different parts of the world.”
Haq, one of the most articulate captains that Pakistan has produced recently, handles praise and criticism with equal elan. “If you are an Asian, you have to be ready for it. When you do well, everybody will praise you and you will be a star for one day. There will be equally strong criticism when you don’t do well.”
Haq said that as a player, he understands fans’ mindset. “I think you need to understand this and just try and put on a good show in every game and not allow this criticism to get into your minds. One day, these people will be after you and the next day, they will praise you.” When asked how long he would continue playing, the 39-year-old said: “I haven’t thought about it, but I think everybody knows that there is not much left. Whatever comes, I just want to enjoy it and play well for Pakistan.”
Haq is not unduly bothered about the strength of the South African team. “I think both the teams know each other very well, including the strategy of the players. I think we have done well in ODIs, especially in South Africa. I think it will be a good contest. If we can play to our potential, we have a good chance.”
Natural game
Haq is not perturbed about the do-or-die situation his team faces. He believes that if Pakistan play their natural game, his team will win.
“In South Africa, we were in a similar situation in the ODI series. We had to win the fourth ODI and our team did exceptionally well. Most of the time in ICC tournaments, we are in these sort of situations. The best you can do is to take it game by game. Tomorrow is a game and you need to win that. Go there, do your best, the results will be in our favour most of the time.”
With South African pacers Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn unlikely to play in the match, how easy will it be for Pakistan? “When main players of the opponent’s team are missing, it will give you a psychological advantage. But at the same time, we are aware of the fact that they are a good team. They won a game against us when both Steyn and Morkel weren’t playing in South Africa. So, they are a quality side and at the moment, their strength is batting. So, we just can’t relax. I think we need to really play well, give our 100 per cent, and then we have a good chance.”
