We don't deserve to go through: Waqar Younis

Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis isn’t happy about his team’s meek surrender to New Zealand last game. While chasing a commanding target of 181 runs, the Men in Green lost to the Blackcaps after getting off to a blitzkrieg start given by opener Sharjeel Khan at the top of the order. Waqar did not hold himself back and pointed out the men to blame for the loss.

“We got the platform that we needed. While one must admit that they bowled really well, our batsmen just couldn’t find the boundaries in the middle. Simply not good enough, he said.

“The situation was tailor-made for our middle order. We just couldn’t really capitalise on it.”

“Two of our so-called youngsters, upcoming cricketers, they both batted for a good chunk of time in the middle where we thought you would take the game away. We were always in the hope. But yeah couldn’t really finish it,” he rued.

It was clear that the coach was not a happy man immediately after the defeat. He shrugged off the suggestion that Pakistan could still turn it around in the tournament.

“If you say (so), we will keep our hopes high, but the way we have been playing we don’t deserve to go through.”

Pakistan, who have two losses in three games, are on a verge of an early exit. But, there is still a bleak chance of Pakistan qualifying to the semi-final if the Asian giants manage to win their next game against Australia and if other possibilities go their way. They need a strong luck indeed. However, Waqar is not concerned about the slight chances and  went on to question the batsmen once again.

“If I go into detail, there will be a lot of issues. About first-class cricket too. But we will have to start by solving the immediate problems. You have to be able to adjust in T20, you have to be adaptable. Still those who were shouting about not getting to bat in the position they want, this was their perfect opportunity. We were just not good enough. You can cry all you want, you can talk all you want, we are just not good enough. People will have to take a hard look at themselves,” he said.

He also refused to commit to furthering his role as a coach with the team.

“I think lot of things need to be told. To the cricket board also. What is going wrong. I have said that in the past also. It’s not that this is the first time I am saying it. But yeah I will go back and have a look and try to make people understand, people who are in control. If they agree or don’t agree it is entirely up to them,” said Waqar.