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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Misbah wants to look ahead after batsmen flop

Misbah wants to look ahead after batsmen flop

Last updated on: February 15, 2015 20:08 IST
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Pakistan captain Misbah Ul Haq drinks water in the drinks break during the World Cup match against India on Sunday

Pakistan captain Misbah Ul Haq drinks water in the drinks break during the World Cup match against India on Sunday

Pakistan were once again annihilated by arch-rivals India in a World Cup encounter and captain Misbah-ul-Haq credited the rivals for the clinical win.

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Misbah said that the three quick wickets in the middle overs changed the complexion of the game in favour of India.

India beat Pakistan by 76 runs in their World Cup Pool B opening match at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

"They (India) played really well. They posted a big total, and bowled really well. We lost our way with three wickets in the middle. The pitch was really good, and with the quality of their (India's) batting, 300 was a pretty good effort," Misbah said.

Misbah-ul-Haq of Pakistan hits a boundary as India's wicketkeeper and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni looks on

Misbah-ul-Haq of Pakistan hits a boundary as India's wicketkeeper and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni looks on. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

He said the target was gettable provided all his batsmen contributed and had partnerships.

"If all the batsmen had batted well, it could have been achieved. Two-three batsmen never got in, and got out in the first couple of balls. You can't say much about that," said Misbah who was the lone Pakistan batsman to put up a fight with an 84-ball 76.

"Now we have to just look forward. You can't just think of this game. We have to focus on the next one."

Misbah said changes were likely to come in the Pakistan team in future matches after the defeat.

Pakistan moved Younis Khan from sixth in the batting order to open, and dropped regular wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed for Akmal but neither change worked.

"Actually with these restrictions in the field, we are not getting the balance right," Misbah added.

"We needed a fifth bowler. Sometimes you have to just sacrifice another batsman."

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