‘We can win from anywhere’: Michael Smith backs Pakistan to bounce back in final

Pakistan batting coach Michael Smith believes the team has developed the confidence to win from difficult situations and is backing the players to bounce back from their first defeat in the tournament ahead of Saturday’s final against Sri Lanka.

Speaking exclusively to PCB Digital on Wednesday, Smith admitted Pakistan fell short of their expected standards against Sri Lanka but insisted the team remained confident in its ability to respond positively in the title decider.

“We have reached a stage where we believe we can win from anywhere and we are building that belief within the group,” Smith said.

“Today was one of those days when things didn’t go our way and we know we didn’t perform to the level we are capable of. Our focus now is on moving forward and preparing as best as we can for the final.”

Pakistan had secured their place in the final before facing Sri Lanka, having won their opening three matches to become the first team to qualify for the tournament’s title clash.

The hosts registered two victories against England and one against Sri Lanka during an unbeaten run before suffering their first loss.

Despite the setback, Pakistan’s batting unit has produced several notable performances throughout the tournament. Salman Ali Agha has scored 158 runs in four matches, including a century against Sri Lanka in the tournament opener, while Hasan Nawaz has accumulated 148 runs, highlighted by his crucial 79 against England that helped Pakistan secure an 87-run victory.

Shadab Khan also delivered a memorable performance against England at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, scoring his maiden ODI century to guide Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket win.

Smith stressed that continued improvement remained essential, regardless of the team’s recent results, and urged the players to use the defeat as an opportunity to assess their performances before the final.

“You always have to work on your game and try to improve. Even when you are doing really well, you have to keep looking for ways to get better,” he said.

“It’s always tough after a loss like this and it can be emotional. But we now have an opportunity to reflect on our performances and put in a couple of really good days of preparation leading into the final.”

The batting coach also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, saying Pakistan’s success would depend on contributions from all departments rather than individual brilliance.

According to Smith, the team’s ability to recover from challenging situations during the tournament has been an encouraging sign, but maintaining consistent standards across batting, bowling and fielding will be crucial in the final.

“It’s not about one or two individuals winning games for us. We know that collectively, as a team, we all have to be at our best,” he said.

“Whether it’s the batting, bowling or fielding unit, everyone has a role to play and that will be our biggest focus heading into the final.”

With Pakistan scheduled to face Sri Lanka again on Saturday, 31 October, Smith believes the occasion itself will provide sufficient motivation for the players, leaving the coaching staff to focus on preparation and ensuring the team enters the contest with a clear plan.

“These are international cricketers representing their countries and they love playing for their country. It’s a final, so I don’t think the coaches will need to do much in terms of motivation,” he said.

“Our responsibility is to help the players prepare as well as possible and ensure they have as much clarity as they can going into the final.”

Smith also praised the home crowd for its support throughout the tournament and expressed confidence that the final would provide an exciting atmosphere for both teams.

“The fans have been excellent throughout the tournament. It’s been wonderful and incredible to be part of. I am pretty sure the final will be sold out. The atmosphere will be buzzing, noisy and exciting. That’s one of the reasons why you play the game,” he said.

“I think the players are going to really enjoy the occasion and hopefully we can perform to the level we know we are capable of.”

Pakistan will now look to put their defeat behind them and deliver a stronger performance against Sri Lanka as they aim to finish the tournament by lifting the title on home soil.