Karachi, Mar 8(ANI): Karachi Dolphins coach Sadiq Mohammad has blamed his batsmen for their defeat in the thrilling RBS Twenty20 Cup semi final against Sialkot.
Chasing a target of 150, the Dolphins seemed to be clear favourites at the half way stage, but with four wickets down and the score on only 22, the game tilted in the favour of the Stallions.
A mixture of some reckless cricket and fantastic bowling and fielding from Sialkot ensured a seven run victory despite a strong middle-order batting line-up consisting of Fawad Alam, Shahzaib Hasan and Shahid Afridi.
Mohammad said that a gameplan was clearly outlined for his team, before they started to chase the score of 150 needed for victory.
"I said to the boys that you are facing experienced, international bowlers, don't disrespect them, play each ball on merit and don't try to smash every delivery out of the park. These are not club bowlers who you can smash around at will," Pakpassion quoted Mohammad, as saying.
"Asif hurt us with his opening spell and to lose three wickets with the score on 21 was hard to take. Nonetheless, I still felt that with our batting lineup and the fact that we had successfully chased down scores previously in the tournament, we could go on and reach the score of 150," he added.
The coach further said that despite his warnings and messages, which were sent to batsmen out in the middle, his players continued to play rash shots.
"We sent a message out to Shahzaib to keep his cool after his great start. He had given us a great start and we wanted him to try and stay there in the middle for 10 overs. However, despite he messages he lost his concentation and gave Sialkot their first wicket and the boost that they needed,"
"Shahid (Afridi) went in at number six which I thought was ideal for him. I wanted him to stay calm and to try and disturb the line and length of the bowlers. As an experienced international player he should have realised that the Sialkot fielders were all on the edge of the circle and his aim should have been to look for quick singles, to bring in the fielders and then try to hit over the top. Instead he went for one shot too many."
"We sent messages out to him to stay cool and not to bat in a wild manner. He was nearly caught the ball before his dismissal and then eventually he was dismissed," he added. (ANI)
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