Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq was pleased to secure an “important” T20I series win over Bangladesh.
The head coach bolstered his squad with more experience for the series and reaped the rewards as Pakistan bagged a 2-0 success.
Misbah brought the likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik and Shaheen Afridi back into the side to compliment the group’s younger players.
The win puts Pakistan in a much better place ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
They had lost eight of their last nine matches heading into this series but will be able to take confidence from a much-improved showing.
They are currently considered 12.00 (11/1) shots with 10Cric to land World Cup glory later this year.
On the choice to turn to more experienced heads, Misbah said: “After two series, we have realised that we cannot go all out with youngsters and we need experience.
“So, obviously Babar did back them [Malik and Hafeez] and, as expected, their experience did work for us. The doors are never shut. If any player who is fit, performing and required, he should definitely be considered. If their form is helping your team, then I don't see any problem in picking them.”
Win eased the pressure on Pakistan
The head coach and chief selector admits the Bangladesh victory was an important one.
“The most important thing for us was to win,” he added.
“This victory was important for us to get breathing space and now you obviously have to see where you are lacking and which area you can strengthen yourself.
“Otherwise being under pressure, you are always running after many things and sometimes it's really hard to catch up.
“It's good for me, for the team, for all youngsters, that we are relaxed and got a little confidence-booster. Now we can focus better going forward.
“Because when you lose back-to-back series and even before we had a poor run losing T20 games, so it was really important for our confidence to win.
“Obviously, credit should be given to our bowling, the way our young bowlers never gave Bangladesh a chance to sneak in to get into a position to pose any threat.”
