Waqar: How will we last 50 overs, at this rate?

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Pakistan coach Waqar Younis lamented his side’s dire batting performance in the one-off T20 against Australia, pondering how they would last a full ODI innings if they could only record 96/9 in 20 overs.

Pakistan’s top scorer made just 25, while only three batsmen reached double figures. Glenn Maxwell took three wickets, as the Aussie spinners did the job superbly, which worried Waqar in the build up to the World Cup Down Under.

Waqar said of the six-wicket defeat: “Batting, we didn’t really put enough runs on the board. Losing early wickets, it was not easy after that.

“And full credit to the Australians, they bowled well, they bowled to the plan and they came out good. I think there was nothing wrong with the pitch, it just spun a little more than usual.

“The major focus for us is how are we going to deal with 50 overs? We have to make sure that we bat 50 overs. It was disappointing what happened today.”

Waqar also commented on Umar Akmal’s poor form, as he scored just one run and took his tally over the past six innings in all formats to a paltry 25. His wicketkeeper was also below par, the coach acknowledged.

He said: “That’s not only a worrying sign for U but for us also. We have to really sit down and think hard about his batting, and his wicketkeeping also.

“We speak about his talent. He hasn’t really delivered. We have to really speak to him and maybe try different things with him.”

Maxwell, meanwhile, was pleased with the easy victory, saying: “That’s what we were aiming to do tonight, to really put our front foot forward and basically put a dent in Pakistan and make it harder for them to come back for the rest of the time we’re here.

“To start a series like that where it’s a really dominating win with six overs left is a great way to start a tour.

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