Head coach Johan
Botha believes that the equation for Islamabad United remains the same despite
suffering a defeat against Multan Sultans.
Shadab Khan-led unit was bowled out for 149 chasing a
181-run target on Monday in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 Qualifier.
They will now face Peshawar Zalmi in the second Eliminator
on Tuesday in order to secure a spot in the final of the competition.
Talking to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the former
South Africa all-rounder showed optimism about team’s chances in the upcoming
fixture.
“It wasn’t the best game [against Multan Sultans] for us but
the equation remains the same,” Botha said. “You win two games and win the
tournament. We just need to dust ourselves off and comeback tomorrow and
hopefully we play a little better then today.”
The 39-year-old further refused to blame young pacer Akif
Javed who conceded 29 runs in the 19th over which changed the momentum of the
teams going back to the dugout.
“We cannot blame it on one over,” said Botha. “I think with
the bat, we weren’t at our best. We lost back-to-back wickets three times in
the innings. Only Usman made a real contribution for us with the bat. Rest of
us were not at our best and we fell only 31-run short only. So still a lot of
positives for us.”
