Coles loses his cool after women team’s below par show against Windies

Pakistan Women’s team Head Coach Mark Coles has lashed out on national team after massively disappointing performance in the first T20I against West Indies on Thursday.

Pakistan succumbed to a 71-run defeat at the Southend Club in Karachi, after they were bundled out for just 89 while chasing a target of 161 runs.

While talking to media after the match, Coles said that the performance of the team in all three departments of the game was disappointing.

“Our performance is disappointing today,” said Coles. “We did not execute our plans today. Our batting, bowling and fielding were all disappointing.”

Deandra Dottin and Chedean Nation spoiled Pakistan Women’s cricket team’s 100th T20I celebrations with an unbroken third-wicket century stand — which laid the platform for a convincing win for the visitors.

Dottin — who scored unbeaten 90 — was dropped twice in the game.

Coles was left completely speechless for a moment, when reporters repeatedly asked about team’s strategy, but he hopeful that the team will bounce back in the next couple of matches.

“This is not the end of the world. We still have two more games to go. Our coaching staff is out there sitting with girls to get something out,” he said. “We are looking to find little positives from today’s game and plan for tomorrow’s T20I.”

He added: “I feel that the team can do a lot better, they need to take responsibility collectively, we have worked hard and maybe it was the nerves of playing a big game for the first time in 14 years at home, I hope we will have a better performance in the upcoming games.”

Only Captain Bismah Maroof (38) and Javeira Khan (19) showed some resistance against the visitors bowling attack.

Power hitting also made the big difference in the game, and Coles admitted that it is something that will develop with time.

“See, we lack the ability of hitting because our girls are not physically strong as West Indies or any other team right now. But we are working on it. It will take time,” he said.

Coles also stressed on the importance of women’s A team: “We have a limited bunch of player which includes maximum of 20. So we have to make our A team on priority and I’m glad that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is already working on it.”

Meanwhile Dottin — who was named player of the match — was happy with her match wining contribution.

“I made use of the opportunities that came my way. I am happy that I contributed in my team’s win and we started off very well and were able to sustain our performance throughout the game,” she said.

The second T20I between both teams will be played on February 1, at the same venue.