Misbah backs emerging associate sides to play more against Test-playing nations
Pakistan cricket team captain, Misbah-ul-Haq has said that the associate teams like Afghanistan should be given more chances to play against Test playing sides so they can better assess their progress, as well as realise areas where they need improvement.
The ICC affiliate Afghanistan was given the one day international status in 2009 but the side has yet to play an ODI. The wait is over as the Afghanis are all set to play their first ever One Day International match against Pakistan at the Sharjah cricket
Stadium today, February 10, 2012.
Speaking to media reporters on the eve of match, the Pakistani skipper urged the International Cricket Council to provide ample chances to affiliate nations to play international matches against Test teams, as that would help in their development.
"Once you play against Test teams, only then you can know what type of improvement is required," said Misbah on Thursday. "It's very important that such matches are organised so that these teams can realise where they stand," he added further.
Whilst the match would be the first ever for Afghanistan, it will also be a good opportunity for Pakistan to warm-up ahead of the one day series against England, starting at Abu Dhabi on Monday, February 13, 2012.
The Pakistan team will go into the match at the back of a comprehensive Test series victory over the world number one Test side, England, but Misbah warned the side against complacency.
On the eve of their international debut, the first choice Afghan bowler, Hamid Hasan failed to recover in time from a knee injury. However, the Afghan captain, Nowroz Mangal was still confident that his side would put up a tough fight against Pakistan.
"It's a very good challenge for us," said Mangal during the press conference.
"All the players are excited and waiting anxiously to play against the best side in the world…We have done our homework and we will try our best to execute our plans accordingly and achieve the desired results," he added further.
Mangal was unaffected by the reputation of the Pakistani duo of Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman, saying they do not get intimidated by names.