Good Eden Gardens record a confidence booster for Pakistan, says Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakistan has never lost a game at Eden Gardens, and this will boost up the Men in Green’s confidence when they meet India in the second One Day International (ODI) on Thursday, captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes.

Despite saying that Pakistan’s all-win record will work as a morale booster, the skipper wants to stay in present, not thinking much about his team’s victory back in 2004-05. He stated ahead of the crucial second game:

"We have some good memories as a team. Also our players have done well here. Confidence plays a big role in cricket. If you’ve good record, it gives more confidence."

"India-Pakistan is always an important series. We don’t remember exactly when we won here. But this is a very important series. We will put together all our energies and planning to play good cricket. Each game is a new game you have to put in your best."

Misbah had scored a Test ton at Eden Gardens. However, he has never reached to the three-figures in the limited-over cricket. Nevertheless, the right-hander is not bothered about his figures as far as he is contributing to the winning cause.

"I don’t think so it makes a difference. It’s important what the team needs. Winning is more important, if a century comes then it’s most welcome," he added.

He also talked about Shahid Afridi, who was sent home following a disappointing effort in the T20s. Misbah termed the veteran all-rounder as a key player for the side, saying that his ability to provide breakthroughs will be missed.

"There’s no doubt he has been a main player of the team for so long, especially in the middle-order. Even we miss him and it’s difficult to fill in the void, especially the difference he would do with his bowling giving vital breakthroughs," he uttered.

The second clash between the arch-rivals has begun at Eden Gardens. After winning the toss, MS Dhoni put the tourists on bat. Pakistan openers got off to a great start, and the visiting is looking good to post 300 runs on the board.

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Posted by Rana Nasir Ghafoor on Jan 3 2013. Filed under Pakistan, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry