Misbah urges Pakistan players to think positive

Napier, March 3 (IANS) Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq on Tuesday said the only way Pakistan can achieve success after a wobbly start to the World Cup is by thinking positive.

Pakistan have won only one game against Zimbabwe after losing their opener to India and then to the West Indies.

“You have to just think positive," Misbah was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo ahead of their Pool B clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday here.

Referring to his batsmen, who have failed to live up to their potential, Misbah said they have been practicing hard and hopes the pitch at McLean Park will suit their style.

"We are looking forward to just giving them a lot of confidence. They are working hard in the nets. Let's see this pitch; they might be feeling a little bit more confident in playing here,” Haq said.

"These are the only things that you can share with the guys and give them confidence and just be positive all the time. It's a new innings, it's a new game."

Balancing the Pakistan side has been an issue for some time. If they play five bowlers, the batting weakens and if they pick the extra batsman then the captain struggles to find the fifth bowler.

However, the 40-year-old explained that they should stick to their strength and field five bowlers.

"If you see that the pitch is more suitable to batting, you need to have five bowlers. I haven't seen the pitch yet but at least there is one thing that is working well in favour of us and we should stick to that strength and that's bowling,” added Misbah.