Pakistan enjoys edge in ODI series against England: Mohsin/Sadiq

KARACHI, Nov. 9 (APP): Former Pakistan Test openers Mohsin Khan
and Sadiq Muhammad rated Pakistan favorites for the 4-match One-day
Internationals (ODIs) series against England starting on Wednesday in
Abu Dhabi.
“Pakistan is very formidable side with solid batting, good pace-
cum spin attack and favorable environments,” Mohsin Khan told APP in an
interview while discussing the upcoming series.
Mohsin, under whose coaching, Pakistan routed World number one
England 3-0 in the Test series in 2012, but lost the ODI series.
He said Pakistan got very solid batting in Muhammad Hafeez,
Ahmed Shahzad, Azhar Ali, veterans Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz
and Rizwan while Pace duo of Wahab Riaz and Irfan can be deadly with
Yasir Shah to spearhead the spin attack through which they can pose problems
to England.
When asked to recall Pakistan’s big ODI loss to England after
great Test triumph, he refused to elaborate for his own reasons. “No
comments on ODI loss in 2012,” he said.
“Our 2-0 Test win is heartening and Pakistan is better one-day
side despite its 8th ICC ranking,” he said.
“Momentum is with Pakistan. They must carry it forward in ODI
series,” Mohsin Khan, remarked.
Sadiq Muhammad also rated Pakistan’s chances bright as they got
edge in all departments of the game.
However, he warned, Pakistan batsmen not be complacent and must
maintain attacking approach.
“England will be under psychological pressure after Test defeat
and Pakistan must keep up that pressure,” former left handed opener,
said.
Responding to a question that Pakistan lost the ODI series after
thrashing England 3-0 in Test series, he said past is history and this
is new series.
He said England got some good all-rounders in their line-up.
But it would be another big challenge for them to handle Pakistan
spinners plus fast bowler.
“Until and unless, Pakistan play poor cricket, they cannot lose
the ODI series,” he pointed out.
“Emirates conditions clearly suited Pakistan and that make them
favorites,” he added.
He partially agreed that led by Eoin Morgan England, may be
coming up with better show after acclimatizing with the local
conditions,” he concluded.