Dean Jones terms Islamabad fall 'worst in PSL'

DUBAI: Islamabad United’s head coach Dean Jones termed his team’s 34-run loss against Peshawar Zalmi in fourth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season three as “worst-ever” performance in PSL’s history”.

Zalmi were being benefited with superb debut bowling feat of Umaid Asif (4-23) and leg-spinner Ibtisam Sheikh’s (3-0) as they successfully defended a 177-run target.

Jones, a former renowned Australian batsman who led United to the title in the first edition in 2016, was blunt enough to describe the fall.

“Rusty. I’m keeping it clean. As is everyone. That is the worst performance Islamabad has shown so far,” said Jones.

“We were not up to the mark with our bowling which cost us a lot. Kamran Akmal played really well. We didn’t bowl our defensive lines and lengths early.” Jones added.

Kamran notched 32-ball 53 leading Zalmi to 176-6 before Islamabad United were rattled to 142-9.

“We are normally not the greatest starters in the world. We take a while to get ourselves ready and wound up. But I remind you, it is not what you do at the start, it is what you do at the end.” He stated.

Asked about his polished dressing of suit instead of a track suit, Jones replied: “I have enough coaches to throw balls. I think it’s a prestigious position. It is an honor and a privilege to coach this team. I like wearing suits,”

Jones said he was having high hopes with his team after a win in practice game.

“We beat Multan in a practice game. A lot of guys played really well. In the inter-franchise game, we played really well.

“We had our simulations and they reached them. I don’t know where this performance has come from, I really don’t. It’s a question I’m going to ask from the team in 30 minutes time,”

Jones hoped for Misbah’s recovery in time for the second game against Multan on Sunday.

“Misbah has a slight hamstring [strain]. We are just a little concerned with it, but it is more [a case of] prevention is better than cure. He had a calf problem a couple of years back. However, keeping him on the field is one of the greatest medical stories of the world.

“When you pull a hamstring, it is a different story to a calf. If it was later in the tournament and we needed to get some wins, we’d have played him, but it is a bit early for him.

“He is a god. I love the guy. I love him as a player, as a captain, a leader. Let’s not take anything away from Peshawar as well, they have lost a few players too, and it was Rumman’s first time as a captain.

“He was thrown into the fire, and leading in T20i’s is a difficult job. We weren’t good in first 10 overs.”