South Africa series: Teams aim for batting resurrection

Spinners Afridi, Ajmal and Hafeez took a combined six wickets at a run rate of under three an over to help Pakistan win the second ODI by 66 runs. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq warned his team against complacency after their series-levelling, 66-run win against South Africa in the second One-Day International (ODI), stating there were persistent problems in Pakistan’s batting that needed to be rectified.

“We shouldn’t relax after winning the second ODI and we still need to improve,” he said, according to ESPNcricinfo. “Our batsmen are getting good starts but aren’t converting them so we need to rectify that. We have a very tough series on our hands; they are very tough opponents and are going to give us a hard time.”

South Africa slumped to their second lowest total against Pakistan when they were bowled out for 143 in 40.4 overs chasing a modest 210-run target.

Leg-spinner Shahid Afridi (three for 26), pacer Mohammad Irfan (three for 53) and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (two for 15) rocked the Proteas to level the five-match series at 1-1.

Misbah said the morale of the team was high after staging a comeback.

“Obviously we lost the first match from a winning position and when such things happen you get disappointed. However, after this win the morale is high and we needed that comeback win.”

De Villiers feels pressure over SA batting

South African captain AB de Villiers admitted he was feeling pressure over shortcomings in batting.

“To be very honest I am feeling the pressure,” said De Villiers.

“But I am enjoying my captaincy more than ever and feel that I am getting good response from the guys, especially on this tour,” he said, praising the Pakistani spinners.

“Pakistan have two bowlers in the top five in one-day rankings and its world class spinners we are playing against, but once again I have full confidence that we will come back.”

De Villiers said his team was working hard to overcome batting woes.

“We are all working, we are doing pretty much everything, it’s a matter of one or two guys to put their hands up and give that performance.”

South Africa will hope Hashim Amla boosts their batting after he is expected to rejoin the squad in time for the third game in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Spearhead Dale Steyn will also join the team after missing the first two one-days to have rest at home.