Misbah confident about Pakistan’s chances in South Africa

Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq believes Pakistan are more than capable of beating South Africa on their own soil.

Pakistan returns the favour

The two nations do in a three-match ODI series beginning on 4 April. Pakistan is touring South Africa after Australia announced their decision to withdraw from a major months-long tour to the Rainbow Nation despite Cricket South Africa making many concessions to ensure the tour still went ahead.

When the decision was made to withdraw South Africa were busy with their own tour of Pakistan and the two countries decided to extend their series in South Africa in the now open calendar spot.

South Africa was very disappointing in the sub continent and was outplayed in all formats of the game but especially in the short formats after half their squad needed to return home early in order to prepare for the Australia series.

Misbah backs his boys

Based on the back of those performances and the general return of Pakistan as a force to be reckoned with in world cricket, Misbah is confident they will be able to continue its recent dominance over the Proteas.

“I think especially with white-ball cricket, the pitches are very good, they’re true pitches, with good bounce and pace and for batters,” he said, according to ESPNCricinfo.

“In white-ball cricket, it is easier to adjust to these conditions and you get good value for shots. Obviously Pakistan has also always had the luxury of good fast bowlers. That is the reason Pakistan has done well here.

Pitches favour both sides

“No doubt South Africa are very good, they know their conditions well. But I think these conditions help Pakistan as a whole, the batsmen especially. And obviously, there’s something psychological as well, when a team has done well here before, it helps moving forward as well to perform.

“As a batsman you enjoy that, you get full value for your shots. Previously, in this team, some of the players have played here and performed – Imam [ul-Haq], Babar [Azam], Fakhar [Zaman] was here.

“These players love that pace and bounce, now [Mohammad] Rizwan is in form, a very good backfoot player. Those previous series and experiences definitely count, they play a role in your confidence as a player and team.”