Misbah blames batting collapse for loss

Adelaide, Feb 15 (IANS) Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq rued losing wickets at regular intervals in the middle overs and blamed the batting collapse for his team's 76-run loss against India in a World Cup match here Sunday.

Chasing a target of 301 runs, Pakistan were comfortably placed at 101 for two after 23 overs. But opener Ahmed Shehzad's (47) dismissal by Umesh Yadav triggered a collapse as they were soon reduced to 103 for five inside 25 overs.

They were never able to recover from that blow and were ultimately bowled out for 224 in 47 overs.

"We lost our way with three wickets in the middle. The pitch was really good, and with the quality of their batting, 300 was a pretty good effort. If all the batsmen had batted well, it could have been achieved,” Misbah said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"Two-three batsmen never got in, and got out in the first couple of balls. You can't say much about that."

The 40-year-old veteran top-scored for his side with a valiant knock of 76 runs and played a lone battle in chasing down the imposing total.

He praised the Indians for their efforts and said his team has to shake off the disappointment of the loss and concentrate on its next group game.

"They played really well, posted a big total, and bowled really well. Now we have to just look forward. You can't just think of this game. We have to focus on the next one," concluded Misbah.

Pakistan next play against the West Indies Feb 21 in Christchurch.