Faheem admits Pakistan’s inconsistent approach in ODI series

ISLAMABAD: All-rounder Faheem Ashraf admitted Pakistan’s inconsistent approach, saying that the team played attractive cricket only in patches.

Following yet another series loss, this time the ODI Series against New Zealand, Faheem said Pakistan were not showing consistency in their approach. “Our approach has not been consistent. We only play good cricket in patches which in no way win you matches. We have to play for the team rather than making efforts to boost individual performance. Such an approach could not fetch you better results. We only play better cricket in selected phases.”

The all-rounder who turned out to be the top scorer for Pakistan in the second ODI at Hamilton Wednesday, said that cricket is more than a game for personal glory. “I think we have to make a collective effort rather than concentrating on individual glory. In the past, we achieved laurels through team effort but if someone performs for his own benefit it would not be enough to earn positive results. We have to make a collective effort to bring consistency in our play.”

He also criticized playing loose cricket allowing the opposition to stage a comeback. “Look, even today we were well placed to dictate terms and then lost the initiative. We should have pressurized the opposition for maximum benefits.”

Bowlers were extracting exceptional lift and movement with the new ball, a fact that Faheem also acknowledged. “Wicket was difficult but it was trickier with the new ball. Batting was not easy with the new ball. Once the ball got soft, batting was comparatively easier. But again I say that collective efforts were required which was never a case in recent times.”

Faheem hoped to get back on the winning ways. “We have achieved wins in the past and we can do that again provided we show exceptional team efforts.”

He praised concision substitute Naeem Shah for giving him good company. “Our effort was to go deep into the innings. Had we succeeded in that we could have gone much closer to the winning target. Look, we had eight to nine overs remaining.”