Pakistan need to cash in on vital moments: Maroof

Skipper Bismah Maroof feels Pakistan need to cash in on vital moments if they want to better their performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup starting February 21. Pakistan have played six editions of the mega event but have never progressed beyond the league stage winning just the six matches out of 24 games altogether.

Definitely a lot of work is required in the field from the players but according to Maroof, its not only about the adjustements with bats and ball. Instead there is an emphasis of getting the mental side of cricket on the right track, with the captain aware of what Pakistan are capable of should everything click on the field.

“It’s important for us to get the right mindset, we’re working on the mental side of our game and so we want to be in a good frame of mind ahead of the first game," said Maroof, speaking at the captains’ media day at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. “We are missing big moments in the World Cups, we need to create chances for ourselves, live in the moment and try not to think about the big stage."

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Placed in Group B, Pakistan's opening two matches are against former champions England (February 28) and West Indies (February 26) and the skipper knows winning these two games is crucial if they stand a chance to qualify for the semifinals.

“Our squad possesses match-winners and players who can turn the game on its head, which is very exciting for us in a tournament where every game matters," added Maroof. “All it takes is for one player and one moment to win a cricket match and we are confident we have the right personnel that can do that for us."

“We have a lot of youngsters in the side who are brave and express themselves. It will be exciting to see them play – we have an average age of 24.8 in the side, which is both an eye to the future and a glimpse into what these players are capable of right now,” concluded Maroof.