Zaheer Abbas: “They have played [17] matches recently and only won three [of] them, which is a cause for alarm”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Legendary Pakistan batsman Zaheer Abbas has revealed that there is still “cause for alarm” for the national team as they have only won three of their 17 ODIs this year.

Abbas’ comments come after Pakistan defeated England by 14 runs in their World Cup clash in Nottingham on Monday.

At the beginning of the year, Pakistan were beaten 3-2 in their five-match ODI series against South Africa.

They were then whitewashed 5-0 by Australia before losing 4-0 in their five-match ODI series against England.

They lost their 11th consecutive ODI following their seven-wicket loss to the West Indies in their World Cup opener.

However, they ended that streak and secured only their third ODI victory of the year when they triumphed over England.

“Being a Pakistani and a cricketer, I have a lot of expectations from the team,” Abbas was quoted as saying by cricketpakistan.com.pk. “These expectations can only be filled if our players can perform exceptionally well.

“They have played [17] matches recently and only won three [of] them, which is a cause for alarm.

“But we have seen before that the Pakistan team can turn things around, the way they won the Champions Trophy. No one expected us to play well there and win the final either. So the expectations are still high.”

Pakistan’s next World Cup game will be against Sri Lanka in Bristol on Friday.

[interaction id=”5c1d9088e5245c5b0b264d12″]