ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Young Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah Wednesday believed that he could have taken more wickets if the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Pindi Stadium, had not been ended early due to bad light.
Naseem went all for praise for Pakistan as he bagged two wickets for 51. He got away with opener Oshada Fernando and Angelo Mathews on the day.
Addressing a press conference after the day closes, he said we did not bowl the way we should in the first session but afterward the plan was to contain and we got results.
“I could have got another wicket, the way I was bowling towards the end. Hopefully we will try to get the Sri Lankan team out quickly before 250,” he said.
To a question, Naseem said he was very excited to play in front of the home crowd. “In Australia, I saw how their supporters supported their bowlers. I was enjoying bowling at home because of the way the crowd was supporting us,” he said.
Naseem said Usman Shinwari and Muhammad Abbas bowled with good line and length. “I am not focusing on any records but I want to do well for my country and perform so that people remember me positively,” he said.
To a question, he said the coach knows better whether there was a need of spinner or not.
Sri Lanka team captain Dimuth Karunaratne said they aim to give Pakistan a target of 300 runs in the first innings.
“After the lunch break Pakistani bowlers bowled well and we struggled to get runs,” he said.
He said the Pakistani spectators supported them very well. “Pakistan has always given us a warm welcome,” he said.
To a question, he said batting first was the right decision for him.
VNS Islamabad
