We lost momentum between 16-18th over, says Hafeez

Mirpur: Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez today rued that his side could not keep up the momentum during the death overs in their seven-wicket defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India in their World T20 campaign opener here.

"This was a track where we should have scored around 150 runs which would have been a good target. But we fell short. We lost the momentum between the 16th, 17th and 18th over which became key in the end. Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik were having a good partnership and we thought that they would take us to 150," a disappointed Hafeez told mediapersons at the post-match interaction. Pakistan`s woeful record against India in the 50-over World Cup and World T20 continued as they have now lost their fourth straight match in the shortest format`s marquee event. "I don`t think that there is any special reason that we have not won against India in World Cups. Hopefully, we will do that next time. But now this match is history and we need to look forward. We can look at the positives from the match. Young Bilawal Bhatti bowled really well," Hafeez said. The Pakistan skipper felt that the wicket was difficult for batting. "It was not an easy wicket to bat on as the ball was stopping and coming onto the bat. There was a bit of spongy bounce. We lost an early wicket due to a run-out. But then Shoaib and Umar had a good partnership before it slipped between the 16th and 18th overs." While stating that dew was not a big factor in the match, he did say that batting became easier in the second innings. "Dew was not a big factor but having said that, it became better for batting gradually in the second innings." About Saeed Ajmal opening the bowling, Hafeez said that he`s their main wicket-taking option. "Ajmal is our strike bowler and we use him as an wicket-taking option." Hafeez said that he expected India to go in with three specialist spinners and they were ready for the challenge. "We were ready for it but we have to give Amit Mishra his due. He really bowled well as he was not afraid to toss the ball up to the batsman," said Hafeez.