Pakistan could still win UAE series : Intikhab Alam

Abu Dhabi, May 1 (ANI): Despite being 2-1 down in the five game series against Australia, Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam believes his side could still manage to win the remaining two games to pocket the series.

After defeating the Kangaroos in the first match by four wickets, Pakistan lost two consecutive games, but Alam believes Australia is still beatable.

Alam said it was not because of some extraordinary performance which helped Australia win the last two matches, but he blamed his own team for failure to apply themselves.

When asked about the reason why Pakistan failed to chase a modest target of 199 runs in the third ODI despite being cruising along on 95-0, Alam said : "If you look at the results of the last two matches, they did not outplay us. We made mistakes in batting, especially in the third match."

Alam said senior players must recognize their role in the team, and play according to the situation.

"We had a pep talk for two hours before training and I told my senior batsmen that they must stay at the wicket and put a value on their wickets," The News quoted Alam,as saying.

Pakistan is expected to change the team line-up for the fourth match on Friday.

Speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who was rested in the previous game, is certain to replace Sohail Tanvir.

All rounder Fawad Alam could also find a place in the team replacing off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who has been reported of suspected bowling action.

On the other hand, Oz captain Michael Clarke is also geared up to take the challenge,and is aware of the fact that the Pakistani would be pushing for a victory to keep their hopes alive in the series.

"Obviously, they need to win on Friday but don't worry, we will be doing our best to make sure that we prepare better than we have done thus far in this series," Clarke said.

"It's a big game for us too, we really want to win... Pakistan have to be under pressure because they have to win to stay in the series, so we need to be more focused on what we are doing," he added. (ANI)