Aqib on Afridi’s struggles: Conceding sixes in T20s not a big deal

Pakistan head coach Aqib Javed feels that conceding four sixes in an over for a bowler is not a big deal in Twenty20 cricket adding that the performance of the fast bowlers should keep excelling.

Following the Pakistan team’s disappointing 2-0 loss against New Zealand in the T20I series, head coach Aqib Javed said that people always want to win, but they don’t understand that sometimes it takes time to do so, adding that they will make a comeback in the third match.

Speaking to media in Auckland, Javed exclusively remarked on Shaheen Shah Afridi's performance and said that he will have to up his game if he wants to prove himself on the international level.

“A bowler conceding four sixes is not a big deal, but a fast bowler must keep improving. Shaheen Shah Afridi also needs to elevate his game. If he wants to establish himself in international cricket, he must improve further,” he said.

Javed said that the team has the full capability of winning in the third match series against New Zealand and also hinted at making some changes in the playing Xi for the third T20.

People are disappointed as the team lost the first two matches, however, the beginning does not mean that the team will not win, he said.

He added that there will be problems considering the players, who have not played much outside the country. “It is not easy to play in New Zealand’s condition,” the coach said.

He also pointed out that there are small boundaries in New Zealand and suggested the batters play from the top to secure good scores.

New Zealand's openers went on a six-hitting blitz on Tuesday to thrash Pakistan by five wickets and go 2-0 up in their Twenty20 series. New Zealand is currently leading the T20I match series against Pakistan.

Commenting over the team of T201, the head coach said that the subject of Sarfaraz’s captaincy is four years old. Moreover, the team, which was good for playing in T20, is also a two-year-old subject, he said.

“Cricket has changed. T20’s teams are made separately and we are trying to make a separate team for T20 matches as well,” he said in Auckland.

Disclosing the future plans of the national team, the coach said: “We are preparing for the Asia Cup and the World Cup.”

Javed added that a good team will be made when Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman will join.

“The team is young, but we are here to win the series. Our performances are improving, and we will fight back in Auckland,” Javed stated.

“Going through a rebuilding phase doesn’t mean we are not aiming to win. The Pakistan team has the full potential to make a comeback and win the series,” he said.