ICC World Cup 2019 | Was not concerned with target of nearly 350, says Eoin Morgan
Eoin Morgan has stated that he was not concerned with the huge target of 349 for England set by Pakistan at Trent Bridge on Monday. High scoring encounter was on cards as the square boundaries are very short at Nottingham and the pitch is also very hard and dry, making it very difficult for bowlers.
Pakistan were put to bat first by England on Monday’s encounter and the side went on to set a target of 349 runs. In reply, England kept losing wickets in intervals and stood at 118 for four in 21.2 overs. However, both Joe Root and Jos Buttler went on to score centuries to keep the hosts’ hopes alive but the lower order failed to take the team to the distance after the duo’s dismissal. Eoin Morgan felt that a few other partnerships could have made the difference.
“TB (Trent Bridge) is a high-scoring ground. Wasn't concerned with 350. Wicket was very good, out field was rapid. We felt if we got going, 350 was achievable. We got a considerable partnership to stay in the game. Losing early wickets isn't ideal. Joe and Jos kept us in it as far as the 40th over,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony, reported Cricbuzz.
The England bowlers were taken to the cleaners but it was given due to the nature of the pitch as they also managed to pick wickets at the same time. Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali picked three wickets, followed by Mark Wood's two scalps. Surprisingly, Jofra Archer returned with worst figures of 79 for none in his ten overs. Nevertheless, the skipper felt that the fielding was the difference between the two sides today.
“Thought we were outfielded today. Probably the difference between the sides. It was way below par today. Probably cost us 15-20 runs,” expressed the 32-year-old.
England required 91 runs off the last ten overs with five wickets in hand and brought it down to 58 off the last five. However, they fell short of the target by 15 runs in a tight encounter, as pointed out by the southpaw.
“Very good game of cricket. Great advert for the tournament. Extremely disappointed to be at the wrong end especially when it got so tight,” said the Ireland born cricketer.
The skipper was all praise for his opponents whom they had whitewashed in a series recently. He further added that he was looking forward to the match against Bangladesh on Saturday at Cardiff.
“They bowled well. All round today we weren't that bad. Pakistan played well. Sides will beat each other. Don't think many sides will go unbeaten. Going to be a competitive tournament. Looking forward to Bangladesh,” Morgan signed off.
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