Pakistan in good shape for World T20: Misbah

Despite losing their first Asia Cup encounter against arch-rivals India, Pakistan's former T20 captain Misbah-ul-Haq feels Shahid Afridi’s boys look in good shape for the crucial World T20 to be held in India in March.

“Pakistan’s bowlers made 83 look difficult against a strong batting team like India. It is something that will encourage them in the next games. They shouldn’t lose hope because of the defeat against India,” said Misbah in his blog for cricket.com.au.

“After this bowling performance I think the pressure on our batsmen will be less. The batsmen need to understand that the pitches in the Asia Cup are different from the Pakistan Super League and even if they score 130 or 140 their bowlers can defend it,” the skipper of Pakistan’s Test side added.

Misbah also hailed India’s performance against Pakistan on Saturday and called them one of the favourites to lift the World T20 title.

“All the Asian teams appear to be in good shape in the WT20, especially India, because they can give a tough time to any team in the subcontinent. They have a brilliant batting line-up and spin-bowling attack, and that’s why I feel they are the team we need to look to,” he said.

Misbah, who guided the team Islamabad United to win inaugural edition of Pakistan Super League said the experience of playing in the tournament will surely have a positive impact on the national team which is fighting for continental and world title in the shortest format of the game.