Pakistan coach refutes match-fixing claims in Sharjah ODI, takes positives from defeat

Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis Friday brushed aside British tabloid claims of match-fixing against his team in their six-wicket defeat in the third one-day international against England in Sharjah earlier this week.

British tabloid Daily Mail alleged the match on Tuesday was under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit of the International Cricket Council (ICC) over unusual patterns of betting.

The newspaper claimed the investigators were tipped off before the match that Pakistan would underperform in the game and that three run-outs, casual dismissals of batsmen and sloppy fielding were suspicious.

Pakistan were bowled out for 208 on a flat pitch, with skipper Azhar Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik run out.

Asked whether he was aware of the allegations, Waqar said: "I am not aware of that, but I have been hearing about this here and there about this but I am very clear about the Pakistan team and the boys.

"There is nothing wrong with the game."

England chased down the target after being 93-4 at one stage for a six- wicket win to take a 2-1 lead.

They took the fourth and final match on Friday by 84 runs for a 3-1 series win.

Waqar said Pakistan's defeat in Sharjah had been unfortunate.

"Yes, we lost the game. You lose and win games, and it's unfortunate the way the whole thing happened but I have no doubts in my boys and I am very satisfied."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan had raised doubts over the Sharjah match with tweets which were later deleted.

"3 run outs and a few iffy shots for Pakistan ... Never seen that before," tweeted Vaughan before adding: "They must think we are stupid.

"I hate the fact we watch cricket with so much suspicions ... it shouldn't be that way."

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan criticised Vaughan for his tweets.

"I think he has given a very wrong statement," said Khan on Friday. "It's very wrong and it's necessary to give our reaction and we will raise this matter with the ICC.

"Although he later deleted those tweets, the damage was done."

Pakistan have been embroiled in fixing scandals in the past with former captain Salim Malik banned for life in 2000.

Australian trio Shane Warne, Tim May and Mark Waugh had alleged Malik offered them bribes to underperform on a tour to Pakistan in 1995 - allegations which forced the Pakistan government to initiate a judicial inquiry.

The inquiry also fined six other players including Waqar, current bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed and pace legend Wasim Akram.

Pakistan was again rocked in 2010 when then captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were caught in a spot-fixing scandal on the tour to England.

All three were banned for five years and also jailed.

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria is also serving a life ban in a spot-fixing case in a county match in 2010.

Positives

Pakistan's disappointed head coach Waqar Younis Saturday believed his young players were on a learning curve and will get better despite a one-day series defeat against England in United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan went down by 84 runs in the fourth and final day-night international, handing the series to England 3-1 - their ninth series defeat in 11 since adopting the UAE as their neutral venues in 2009.

Waqar said Pakistan started the series well, with a six-wicket win in the first match in Abu Dhbai.

"Of course, the ending was disappointing," said Waqar. "We started off well but unfortunately we couldn't finish it well. This is a young team and it's a learning curve for them."

England levelled the series with a 95-run win in the second game and achieved a six-wicket win in the third.

Since taking over in June last year Waqar has lost six one-day series which has prompted former captain and coach Javed Miandad to call for his sacking.

Waqar said he takes positive criticism in his stride.

"When you lose, criticism come and all the positive criticism has to be worked on," said Waqar who denied Pakistan team is under pressure to qualify for the 2019 World Cup to be held in England. 

"I don't think that's a concern or builds pressure," said Waqar of fear of playing the qualifying rounds if they fail to be amongst the top eight teams in one-day rankings on the cut-off date of September 30, 2017.

"You are giving youngsters opportunity and when you do that in modern cricket, which has become very fast, that takes time."

Waqar said England's Jos Buttler played an extraordinary knock to take away the game from Pakistan in Dubai on Friday.

"I don't think we relied more on spinners, we played one spinner and another was an allrounder. I think without any doubt they played better than us, and the way Buttler played it took away the game from us."

Buttler smashed 52-ball 116 not out in England's imposing 355-5 - his hundred coming off just 46 balls, the fastest by an English batsman.
Pakistan were dismissed for 271.

Waqar said he was still "proud" of his players.

"The way they started and played well throughout, unfortunately we lost but I think we have gained that mindset which I have been saying that we have to play positive and attacking cricket.

"I am sure they would have learnt from mistakes."

Waqar backed leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who managed just two wickets at 82.50 runs.

"It's a different ball game when it comes to one-days as he takes time to settle," said Waqar of Shah who took 15 wickets in Pakistan's preceding 2-0 Test series win.

"I am sure he will be one of the best ODI bowler in near future."

Pakistan and England will now play three Twenty20 internationals in Dubai (November 26 and 27) and Sharjah (November 30).