India captain MS Dhoni has criticised the wickets being prepared for the Asia Cup Twenty20. The wickets prepared at the home of cricket in Mirpur have been different from the previous ones in recent times.
The tinge of green grass has aided the pacemen the most and made it hard for the batsmen, turning the matches into low-scoring ones. In the four games held so far in the regional competition, India’s 166 against Bangladesh in the tournament opener has been the highest while the lowest tally came yesterday when Pakistan were dismissed for 83 following a brilliant performance by the India bowlers, led by the pacers. In between, there have been a few 130-odd totals.
“The amount of movement we have seen so far, it is very difficult to just come out and play big shots. One game we scored [166] but you know it seemed like a game where we will score 140. Because of the firepower and a few good overs, we were able to score [166] but other than that, all the other games played have been low-scoring games which is not very good. We thought it will be a very good practice before getting into the T20 World Cup. When it comes to the hitting, maybe not. When it comes to reading the game and respecting the condition, it has been good for us,” said Dhoni following their five-wicket win against arch-rival Pakistan yesterday.
“The reason why people love T20 is for the sixes and fours and you do not want 80s or 100s to be scored. Low-scoring should be a 135 or 130. In a way it is good for us. We are a side which plays aggressive cricket so it pushes us to respect the condition when the wickets are not batting-friendly,” the India skipper added.
In the low-scoring affair yesterday, just when it seemed India would reach their destination with ease, Pakistan spearhead Mohammad Amir stood up to the occasion to put the Indians in trouble. Amir removed three Indian batsmen with only eight runs on the board before Virat Kohli played an anchoring role, scoring a 51-ball 49 to take India home.
Following the game, Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis was effusive in his praise of Amir.
“Look he is bowling well and when someone is bowling well he is always an inspiration for younger fast bowlers. The way he swung the ball, the pace, the length; it was outstanding.”