Misbah 'positive' about CT chances after bowlers' performance in 'narrow loss' opener

Pakistan Test and one-day captain Misbah-ul Haq has picked out the positives and highlighted the performance of his bowlers, instead of worrying over the narrow loss against West Indies in the ICC Champions Trophy opener, which has put Pakistan in a do-or-die battle against South Africa.

Misbah scored 96 not out after coming in at No. 5 against West Indies, who almost made a hash of a 171-target and won with just two wickets to spare in the Group B match on Friday, the Daily Times reports.

However, Misbah appeared not to be despondent, saying that the biggest positive from this game was their bowling as it created pressure on the opposition, adding that it has given confidence to the team, especially the batsmen, who, he said, can now bring a good total.

Wanting the fans to keep faith on Pakistan, Misbah said that it is possible for them to play positive cricket and win every game, adding that Pakistan has won matches in similar conditions many times in the past.

According to the report, Monday's match against South Africa will be a shootout of sorts as along with losing to India in their tournament opener in Cardiff, South Africa is now facing the challenge of playing Pakistan without two of their main strike bowlers, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.