On the eve of the 2nd ODI at Pallekelle, PakPassion.net spoke with Cheema to gauge the mood in the Pakistani camp as they reflect on their performance from Thursday night and for insights into preparations for this crucial game.

 by Amir Husain (June 8th 2012)

With Pakistan continuing their recent dominance over Sri Lanka in ODIs with a crushing 6 wicket victory over the hosts, all eyes are now firmly focussed on the 2nd ODI game to be played at the same venue , Pallekelle. The Pakistani camp will be hoping for another bowling master class from their pace and spin bowlers which was largely responsible for Sri Lanka’s misfortune. With 5 ODIS to be played in total, it may be too early to forecast the final result of the series but the positive intent on display by the Pakistani team is encouraging.

Whilst Misbah-ul-Haq and his men would justifiably be elated with their victory against a formidable Sri Lanka ODI team, the team management must also take some credit for the performance. Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain may have been instrumental in preparing the Pakistan team for this tour but the manager of the Pakistani team, Naveed Akram Cheema, also deserves appreciation for his work behind the scenes. From overseeing the logistical aspects of the tour to acting as press liaison, Cheema continues to perform his duties with great enthusiasm and utmost professionalism.

His current year with the Pakistan team began in spectacular fashion when Pakistan won their “home” Test series against England. That was followed by a dismal showing against the same opponents in the ODI series. Cheema, therefore, is no stranger to the volatility in fortunes that seems to accompany his team. Tasked with the unenviable job of acting as liaison between the press and Pakistani players, Cheema has established himself as one of the most genuinely likeable managers in International cricket. His job never made easy with some unfortunate interaction between players and the media such as the Saeed Ajmal “action” controversy due to remarks made to the BBC or more recently, due to Shahid Afridi’s issues, Cheema continues to carry out his duties with his customary zeal.

On the eve of the 2nd ODI at Pallekelle, PakPassion.net spoke with Cheema to gauge the mood in the Pakistani camp as they reflect on their performance from Thursday night and for insights into preparations for this crucial game.

The result of the first T20I was a bit of an eye opener to the Pakistani squad but the change in fortune due to some extraordinary performances have undoubted raised the spirits of all concerned. Cheema, understandably, was pleased with the results so far and expressed his feelings on behalf of the team stating “Indeed the whole team and management are very pleased with our victory in the First ODI and the manner in which it was achieved. It’s very heartening to see us perform in this way.”

Historically, Pakistani teams have never been short on talent but the area of team unity on tour has always been a matter of concern. Fortunately, this is not the case with the team lead by Misbah and Cheema was glad to report that “The Team has gelled nicely and is united as one unit - all players are committed to ensuring that they perform to the best of their abilities and to are focussed on winning this series”

Pundits and supporters alike were pleasantly surprised at the strength of the Pakistani bowling attack which on 2 successive games on this tour has established superiority over their Sri Lanka rivals. The most heartening return to form of Umar Gul with a strengthening of the pace department with Mohammed Sami’s blistering speed is also a source of satisfaction for the tourists. Coupled with an assured display of batting by the ever dependable Misbah-ul-Haq and able support from Umar Akmal and Hafeez are all positives that Team Pakistan will be banking on as they face Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI. However, to Naveed Cheema, the individual's performances matter less but it’s the team effort that is of importance “All those names mentioned have done well but you really cannot single out any individual for the performance so far – it’s a team game, all players are putting in their very best and results are there to see”

The 1st ODI game at Pallekelle was marred with stoppages due to rain and the 2nd ODI being played at the same venue will undoubtedly be subject to the vagaries of local weather. The threat of rain may well play on the minds of rival captains and their team mates but to Cheema, this is of no consequence as what really counts is that Pakistan compete at their best “We have no injury worries to speak of and the players are in best of spirits – whether the rain will have a part to play in this game is not under our control but what we can promise is that each of our players will be putting in their best effort possible”

The ODI series will move to Colombo at the conclusion of tomorrow’s game where the teams will play the last 3 games before the start of the Test series in Galle.