“We were not taking them lightly even before the England match,” said Pakistan’s Sarfraz Khan ahead of T20Is against Scotland.
Even as their emphatic six-run win over England is just about sinking in, another stern test awaits Scotland when they meet Pakistan in the two-match Twenty20 International series that starts on Tuesday, 12 June.
Pakistan are the No.1 side on the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Team Rankings and Kyle Coetzer, the Scotland captain, admitted his team will need to be on top of their game if they wish to conquer the Asian side.
"They (Pakistan) are up there for a reason," remarked Coetzer ahead of the first match at Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, the very place where his side toppled England over the weekend.
"They have done all the right things and have deservedly put themselves in that position. They will again be a quality opposition."
It’s hard to find the right words to describe yesterday. Simply a quite amazing day and I’m immensely proud of our entire squad on & off the park at @CricketScotland! Well done to everyone involved who made this day possible!!! #Huntinghistory #SCOvsENG pic.twitter.com/yp84W5T2KP
— Kyle Coetzer (@MeerGoose11) June 11, 2018
Reiterating the importance of not stepping off the gas, Coetzer said, "There are going to be a lot of eyes on the two games off the back of what we have done against England. So it’s important to not just think that we have done our bit now. We need to continue that, we need to continue to build pressure on Pakistan who are No.1 in the T20 format.
“Whatever we do is great for Cricket Scotland, but it’s also great for the Associate world.”
Pakistan have won 17 out of 20 T20Is under Sarfraz Ahmed's captaincy, a key reason why they find themselves atop the rankings chart. But Ahmed insisted his side were not taking Scotland lightly.
"To take the step up to beat a full England side, No.1 ranked in the world, is a massive statement from Scottish cricket.”
— ICC (@ICC) June 11, 2018
Reactions to @CricketScotland's magnificent victory over @englandcricket yesterday
READ 👇https://t.co/AdpXuGflCn pic.twitter.com/HVlVXhRykv
"We were not taking them lightly even before the England match," he remarked. "T20 is not an easy format. We just saw Afghanistan beat Bangladesh 3-0. You have to play better on the day in this format.
“It doesn't matter whether you are a No.1 or No.8 side.”
Congratulating Scotland on their England win, he added, “It was a big day for them. It’s good for Scotland cricket that they are playing good sides. The more they play such sides, they will learn more about the international cricket.”
