Pakistan's Win Against India In Super Four Certainly Lifted Team's Morale: Mushtaq

SHARJAH: Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq believes his side's five-wicket victory over India in the Asia Cup 2022 Super Four match on Sunday lifted his side's morale ahead of the crucial match against a strong Afghanistan side on Wednesday. In a chase of 182, Pakistan's decision to promote Mohammad Nawaz to number four to counter India's leg-spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi paid off when he struck a game-changing 42 off 20 balls.

With Mohammad Rizwan making 71 off 51 balls apart from finishing touches by Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed, Pakistan managed to record their highest successful run-chase in T20Is against India. A win against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Ground will take Pakistan into the final of Asia Cup 2022.

"The win against India has certainly lifted the morale of the team and brought to light the depth of our batting unit. T20 cricket is all about tactful manoeuvring and we have the requisite individuals to make this happen at any phase of the innings."

"Mohammad Nawaz is a utility player and we all knew he had what it takes to deliver in pressure situations. But it is just extraordinary how this youngster went in and took the game away from India in a matter of a few overs," said Mushtaq to PCB Digital ahead of the match against Afghanistan.

Pakistan have faced off twice against Afghanistan in the format, with the Babar Azam-led side coming out victorious both times. Mushtaq reckons that batters need to spend more time at the crease on a slow Sharjah pitch to get runs consistently.

"Afghanistan are a good side and they have shown that from time to time, but we are confident to get a hat-trick of victories on Wednesday. The conditions in Sharjah will be suitable for spinners, but if a batter spends enough time in the middle, there will be a lot of runs on offer in the latter part of the innings with shorter boundaries." IANS

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