Pakistan likely to field new faces in dead rubber

KARACHI: Pakistan are under fire following their meek surrender in the ongoing One-day International series against Australia but stand-in captain Shoaib Malik believes that the team has achieved its major target which was to try out young players.Speaking ahead of the fourth ODI against the Aussies in Dubai, Malik said that his young team, which has lost three matches in a row, will go all out to win the remaining two games of the seriesMalik said it was important to back the young players who have tried to press their claims for the available places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, which will be played in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14.“We are trying to give all the players chances so the selection committee and team management have a better picture in front of them,” said Malik. “Its international cricket, so every game is important. We have two more opportunities. If we win two games, we have something in our pocket.”The seasoned all-rounder said batsmen did not keep track in their chase for a 267-run target in Abu Dhabi. “When you chase, you need to keep wickets and go deep in the game, that’s where you create chances, but we couldn’t do that,” said Malik of Pakistan who were dismissed for 186 in 44.4 overs.Malik praised the Australia bowlers. “The Australia bowlers were seaming and swinging the ball around. If you give couple of chances to a good batsman, then expect to chase something big. Getting opportunities and grabbing them is the key of the game,” said Malik.Imam-ul-Haq top-scored with 46 while Imad Wasim (43) and Umar Akmal (36) were the other batsmen who got good starts but did not go on to help Pakistan chase down the target. Pakistan are likely to try out uncapped opener-cum-keeper Abid Ali and one-drop batsman Saad Ali.Australia will be aiming to give right-handed batsman Ashton Turner a chance after his brilliant hitting at Mohali during the series against India. Skipper Aaron Finch stressed over the need to continue building the side.“We’ve been building up and doing the basics well. Any time you can beat India and Pakistan in their home conditions, is good,” said Finch. “We’re playing spin a lot better than we have in the past and that is an improvement.“Handscomb played a good innings before he was knocked over by a good ball. Partnerships don’t allow the opposition to get on top. That’s been an improvement. Maxwell and Handscomb both played great knocks. As a captain, it’s very hard to set fields to guys like that.”

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