"Pakistan can beat any team any day," says Saqlain Mushtaq

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The historic series between Pakistan and Australia is ending with the only T20I to be played today at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1 and suffered defeat in the Test series 1-0. The head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, Saqlain Mushtaq, reflected on his views on the Pakistan team's performance.

"It was a historical series, and Pakistan has created history. The way Pakistan's team played and became victorious, I feel very proud as a head coach to lead this unit." Saqlain said during a virtual press conference.

"Australia started the series with a strong mindset. They had a plan and strategy, which we worked upon after the first ODI loss and came up with a counter plan to break their strategy and planning, and we were able to win the ODI series by chasing 349  to create history." Saqlain stated

"The dressing room was extremely positive and determined to win the match. They take Pakistan pride very seriously and put in efforts with all their heart to do well for Pakistan." Saqlain added.

The former off-spinner was delighted with the team performance and praised the boys for their hard work and efforts. He further said that this unit could do wonders.

"This unit can defeat any opposition on any day," Saqlain added.

The 45-year old also opened up about Shadab's injury and confirmed that things are going well for him.

"Things are going great with Shadab, and I'll meet with the support staff about him," Saqlain said.

"After the meeting, we will be in a position to say something about Shadab," He added.

The inventor of doosra further commented on Pakistan's triumph in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia. The team took the challenge and made a brilliant comeback in the series.

"Pakistan performed very well in the ODI series, and the way the side made a comeback was amazing," Saqlain added.

"We chased down a record total in the second ODI, and I think that is because the players took the challenge and stood up for the team," Saqlain stated.

Saqlain gave credit to the teamwork behind the home side's success in the series and expressed his happiness in being the head coach of Pakistan.

"This triumph was the result of excellent teamwork. I feel delighted to be the head coach of this Pakistan unit," Saqlain said.

He also praised the Australian batters for tackling spin bowling in Pakistan's home conditions. He further pointed out the areas that need improvement for Pakistan's spin bowlers.

"The Australian batters played spin very well. In the last 10-12 years, they have improved a lot in tackling spin bowling. They took the calculative risk, played some risky shots, and played brave cricket." Saqlain stated
 
"I am not giving an excuse that our spinners did not bowl well. We need to improve our skills, be more clever and improve tactically." Saqlain added.

"We should change the mindset of part-time bowlers and make them proper bowlers," Saqlain commented.

The head coach then shared his views about the outcomes of the series, saying that many positive aspects emerged during the home challenge against Australia.

"Many positive things emerged for us from this series, and we will look to carry them with us," Saqlain concluded.