Pakistan, Lanka play for pride in final league game

MIRPUR, Mar 3:
Ousted from the tournament after morale-crushing defeats against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will lock horns in their inconsequential final round robin encounter of the Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament, here tomorrow.
With India set to play hosts Bangladesh in the final, there is only pride at stake for the former and defending World T20 champions.
The sagging spirits were quite evident during the training sessions at Shere Bangla Academy where both teams practised.
The intensity was lacking as the teams went through the motions during two hour session. Sri Lankan captain Lasith Malinga did not practice and was seen roaming around in slippers.
Similarly, the likes of Shahid Afridi, Mohammed Amir did not turn up for training having played a match last night.
Bowling coach Azhar Mahmood defended the team’s performance and under fire bowler Mohammed Sami, whose twin no balls cost Pakistan dearly.
“I am the bowling coach and people are asking about no balls being bowled. I do not have a magic wand to change things overnight. Also look at the boy (Sami), he is making a comeback and comebacks are always difficult. There is so much of pressure,” Mahmood said. (PTI)