After winning the ODI series 2-0, Pakistan would not have thought that the young Sri Lankan team would give them such a tough fight in the T20Is.
Pakistan lost all three matches in the T20I series. After the senior players refused to play in Pakistan, the young Sri Lankan side would be joyful that they have defeated Pakistan away from home.
If we look at the recent T20Is Pakistan have played, they have won most of their matches batting first. Therefore, they have issues when they chase, which was evident during this series. However, they are on the losing side due to other issues too.
Conceding many runs during the power play
In the first T20I, Sri Lanka scored 64 runs at a run rate of almost eleven runs per over in the power play without losing any wickets.
Further, in the second T20I, they scored 52 runs at a run rate of almost nine runs per over and lost two wickets.
However, they managed to score 17 extra runs at the end than the first T20I. Therefore, Pakistan will have to create pressure on the opposition by conceding fewer runs.
Key bowlers underperformed
The two key bowlers of Pakistan, Mohammad Amir and Shadab Khan, failed to deliver their best in this series.
Amir bowled better in the first T20I. He conceded only 25 runs off his four overs but failed to pick up any wickets. Then in the second T20I, he gave 40 runs off his four overs for no wicket.
Amir has retired from Tests, so he will have to perform consistently better as he did in the final T20I to remain in the white-ball format, as there are many young bowlers warming the bench.
Shadab also conceded too many runs in these three matches. In the first T20I, his economy was 8.75 runs per over, then in the second T20I, it worsened to 9.5 runs per over. Plus, he collected only one wicket in each game, before going wicketless in the third T20I.
On the other side, Sri Lanka’s wrist spinner Wanindu Hasaranga picked eight wickets in total.
Therefore, looking forward to the T20I World Cup next year, Pakistan will have to look at their other spinning options as well.
While batting, wickets tumble quickly
The recent records show that Pakistan are not good chasers.
Pakistan has some batting issues to iron out. (Harry Trump-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)
In the first T20I, chasing 166 runs, they managed to score only 30 in the power play and lost three wickets as well. In the end, they were all out for 101 with two overs remaining.
In the second T20I, chasing 183 runs, they again got all out for 147 with still one over left. In the final T20I, they scored only 35 runs in the power play with the loss of a wicket, and in the end lost the match by 13 runs as wickets started tumbling.
Therefore, Pakistan needs someone from the top three to score runs and play long innings, as Haris Sohail did in the final T20I. They would want runs to be scored by their middle-order batsmen as well.
There are some serious issues in both the bowling and batting. Pakistan will have to find a way to solve those issues to move forward positively.
Parth Baxi
Roar Rookie
And sorry. Actually I misunderstood your question.
Parth Baxi
Roar Rookie
They both looked disappointed. When someone asked Misbah in press conference, why suddenly after his appointment team has performed like this, he answered it in a very funny way that I might have told righty to play lefty and vice-versa and also mentioned that these boys are playing from last 3-4 years so they could have played better.
Paul
Roar Guru
Sorry Parth, I wasn't blaming the coach or the captain, I was really asking what they thought were the problems that was stopping Pakistan from chasing? You've offered your take on the situation and I wanted to know what these guys thought.
KenoathCarnt
Roar Rookie
Pakistan definetly have the potential to be a hot favorite this WC, but you just never know with Pakistan . I think their problen in the short format is too many bits and pieces players when they simplify their team they look alot more consistent.
Parth Baxi
Roar Rookie
Yes, after losing 3-0 we can say that there was no proper planning by the coach and captain. But, there were many experienced players also who know what to do in a particular situation. Therefore, we cannot only blame the coach and the captain. Before Misbah too they have lost while chasing. Therefore, there is some mental pressure that this team has to fight while they are chasing. According to me, the whole team is responsible and not only the coach and the captain.
Paul
Roar Guru
What do the Pakistan coach & captain say are the issues, Parth? I only watched the last ODI and it seemed one team had a tonne of energy and the other did not. I also had questions about whether the Pakistan bowlers were bowling to a plan, as the field settings didn't seem to match up with what was being sent down. Lot's of pressure to perform in front of their home crowds, a few guys slightly down in form, it doesn't take much when you're only playing 20 overs for one team to get on top of the other.