Mirpur: Ousted from the tournament after morale-crushing defeats against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will lock horns in their inconsequential final round robin encounter of the Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament, in Mirpur on Friday.
With India set to play hosts Bangladesh in the final, there is only pride at stake for the former and defending World T20 champions. The sagging spirits were quite evident during the training sessions at Shere Bangla Academy where both teams practised.
The intensity was lacking as the teams went through the motions during two hour session. Sri Lankan captain Lasith Malinga did not practice and was seen roaming around in slippers.
Similarly, the likes of Shahid Afridi, Mohammed Amir did not turn up for training having played a match last night.
Bowling coach Azhar Mahmood defended the team’s performance and under fire bowler Mohammed Sami, whose twin no balls cost Pakistan dearly.
“It’s not that we don’t have talent but give them some time. You have to be patient and one win will change it.” Mahmood said.
Meanwhile, former cricketers castigated the miserable batting performance by the Pakistan team.
“It is so disappointing to go out of the Asia Cup. I was hoping our team would motivate themselves to beat Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,” Shoaib Akhtar said.
