Zaheer Abbas urges Misbah-led Pak to show 'sportsmanship', consistency

Pakistani batting legend Zaheer Abbas has advised Test and one-day captain Misbah-ul Haq to see that his squad show more professional attitude and maintain consistency.

According to The Nation, Abbas, who is the only Pakistani batsman to score 100 centuries in the first class cricket, complimented the team for their triumph in the second one-day international (ODI) over Zimbabwe, although he advised them to change their attitude and remain focused all the time.

Abbas, titled Asian Bradman, further said that Misbah and his players cannot give any lame excuses for the seven-wicket defeat in the first ODI nor can they blame moist pitch or conditions for that defeat, adding that Pakistan should have showed a sporting spirit by complimenting Zimbabwe that they outplayed and outclassed a seasoned team.

According to Abbas, such inconsistency is very harmful for Pakistan, adding that Misbah's men cannot afford complacency and will have to play with full force in the third ODI on Saturday and in the upcoming two-Test match series as well.

Stating that the win was a good comeback for Pakistan after their disappointing and surprising loss in the first ODI given Zimbabwe's standing, Abbas said that the first defeat, which took place after 15 years, was a blot on Pakistan's name as Pakistan should have crushed Zimbabwe instead of being crushed by them.

Meanwhile, Abbas also said that if young players were not properly groomed, exposed and fairly treated, Pakistani cricket would be heading nowhere, although he hoped that the team would show positive attitude without any fear in further games against Zimbabwe.