By Shahid Hashmi in Sharjah
Pakistan’s one-day captain Azhar Ali termed his nation and people as “impatient” who get frustrated at defeats and want changes, saying his team is heading in the right direction after a rebuilding process which takes one-and-a-half to two years.
Pakistan beat the West Indies by 59 runs in the second day-night in Sharjah on Sunday to take an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
Although Azhar managed nought and nine in the two matches yet the two wins brought confidence in his body language, taking dig at the impatient media and fans.
“It takes time to improve things,” said Azhar after the Sunday’s game. “You need patience to lift a team. We started the rebuild process after the 2015 World Cup and it takes one, one and a half year so we are going towards that, “said Azhar.
Azhar replaced Misbah-ul-Haq as one-day skipper who retired after the World Cup 2015 along with popular all-rounder Shahid Afridi. A year later senior batsman Younis Khan also quit the 50-over format.
Azhar’s first assignment in Bangladesh was a nightmare when Pakistan were routed 3-0 by their opponents.
Before this series Pakistan were also thrashed 4-1 by England but Azhar believed the team is shaping well since the win at Cardiff in the last one-day.
“We are getting all-rounders who have brought depth in batting and we are scoring 300 plus,” said Azhar of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz.
“We are executing plans in bowling which is good, energy levels are good and with win you lift confidence. The last five to seven matches we have played well.”
Since the Cardiff win, Pakistan have won seven limited over matches on the trot, also beating West India 3-0 in the Twenty20 series.
Azhar survived calls for his sacking after the England defeat — a change which he resisted.
“No matter how many captains you change if you want to rebuild the team it takes one and half to two years. Our nation doesn’t have the patience, they want to win instantly. If you don’t win they get frustrated and want change.
“As a nation we have to take responsibility. It’s easy to look at things in hindsight. Most important is the patience.”
Azhar hoped his form will return with one good innings.
“My series against England was better and I scored runs. I am playing well in nets and it will take one innings to come in form, confidence level is high.”
Pakistan captain hoped his team will keep the focus.
“There is no match where we can relax, we have match winners in our squad and our focus is good.”
The third and final match is in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.