Mohammad Hafeez blames batsmen after Lahore Lions get knocked out

Bangalore, 2014/Sep/30 10:18:00 Text Size -->Mohammad Hafeez did well with the ball, but that could not prevent Perth from securing a victory. © BCCI

After a heart-breaking loss against Perth Scorchers, that knocked Lahore Lions out of the Champions League T20 (CLT20) 2014, a disappointed Mohammad Hafeez said the batters let the team down badly.

Asked to bat first, Lahore could only manage a total of 124/6, despite a fighting half-century from Saad Nasim. Needing to win by at least 46 runs in order to qualify for the semis, the Lions spinners did a terrific job, reducing the Scorchers to 40/6. However, Mitchell Marsh and Brad Hogg put on an unbeaten 68-run stand for the 8th wicket to help Perth to a consolation win.

Speaking after the game, Hafeez blamed the batsmen for the loss, mentioning that their shot selection was poor. "Well, I think we were short on runs. Some of the batters played poor strokes, but the spinners kept us in the game. We put the pressure on ourselves by playing some bad shots. (Later) the dew came into play and the spinners found it difficult, Marsh's innings also took the game away from us and it made the difference."

Hafeez was happy with Lahore's overall performance in the tournament and said it was a good learning experience for his team. "We have played some good cricket throughout the tournament. Most of the boys have got nice exposure by playing in front of such huge crowds."

Marsh, who was the stand-in skipper for this game, scored a superb unbeaten 63 to help Perth win with 1 over to spare. The all-rounder, who also picked a couple of wickets, was named the Man of the Match for his fine performance. He was pleased with Joel Paris' bowling efforts (3/22) while he was also happy with the way veteran Hogg batted.

"It was tight at the end. Such totals are never easy and they were excellent with the ball. Joel (Paris) has really announced himself in this tournament. I am sure Hogg will want to bat up the order," Marsh said.

Marsh, who had to leave the field during the first innings after pulling his hamstring, hoped that everything would be fine before the series against Pakistan in the UAE. He also said the CLT20 provided the Big Bash champions good exposure.

"I had a tight hamstring and fingers crossed, it should be fine. It has been a fantastic experience. We had two close finishes and it was a great learning curve for us," he said.

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