In bid to stay alive, Pakistan eye big win against NZ today

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Director Coaching (head coach) Mickey Arthur has hinted at making necessary changes in the game plan for the crucial World Cup day match against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Saturday (today).

“We have gone into stats and history as to what kind of game plan is necessary for the day game here at this very ground. Considering the condition and requirements, there is a potential for a game plan change,” he said.

Mickey ruled out dropping Haris Rauf from the playing line-up. “He is our strike bowler. We would not change him as he has a role to play for us. He is a strike bowler who has the potential to get wickets for us. Chances however are that we may go with a changed game plan.”

The Director Coaching was optimistic of beating New Zealand and staying in the hunt for a place in the semifinals. “At this point of time what we are looking forward to is a win against New Zealand. During the course of play if we feel we have a stranglehold on the match, we will make efforts to plug the run-rate gap. But the first priority is to win the next two matches comfortably.”

He termed the victory against Bangladesh as the one where Pakistan team played its best game. “The real strength of the Pakistan team was on display against Bangladesh. We put up an all-round performance and showed the real strength of the team. I believe that the team has settled down and started playing its best cricket. I hope it will not be too late.”

On Shadab Khan’s availability, Mickey said that he had yet to get all clear. “Concussion is something very serious where you need to get all green signals before bringing the cricketer back on the field. Shadab has gone through required tests and yet to get green signals. We have no immediate plans for requesting his replacement.”

Fakhar Zaman was brought in when he cleared his injury and came with a bang. “He was not hundred percent fit and that is why he was sidelined. Now he has regained fitness and has shown that during the match against Bangladesh. We hope to see him going with the same flare which was there against Bangladesh.”

He said he hates rating Pakistan’s World Cup campaign as a classic one. “Classic World Cup campaign tag-I hate that. We have to win and win big in the next two games. Pakistan players are calm and know what to do next. We never wanted to be where we are now.”

He rated New Zealand as a quality team coached by well versed people. “New Zealand is a quality team coached by some of the best brains. We have to play our best cricket to beat them. The way we played against Bangladesh, I hope we can manage that.”

He referred to Iftikhar as an under rated bowler. “He is an underrated bowler, the one who has all the ability to bowl ten overs. Over the years he has played a very important role for Pakistan.”

On Pakistani cricketers going into the World Cup carrying a disadvantage of not being part of the IPL, he said it’s very true. “Though it is not an excuse here in India wherever you go, every venue has different conditions to offer. I think the team has now settled down.”