RI bows out to Pakistan in rain-halted match

JAKARTA (JP): Host Indonesia bowed out 2-5 to Pakistan in a rain-halted match on the first day of the second division fourth Asian Cup Baseball Championship at the Bung Karno Baseball Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Sunday.

In other games, Thailand one-sidedly ousted Uzbekistan 17-2 and Hong Kong thrashed Malaysia 15-0.

Pakistan's first batter, Khamran Mehboob silenced the home crowd when he hit the ball over the fence giving him an easy home run and scoring Pakistan's second point in the first innings.

Entering the second innings, both teams failed to produce any points. Host Indonesia had several chances to score when all bases were occupied but the batters failed to produce a clean hit due to their poor performance.

Pakistan scored two more points in the third innings to lead the game 4-0.

Entering the fourth innings, Andryo Haripradono scored the host's first point. Indonesia's second and last point was also scored in this inning.

Both teams again failed to score any points in the fifth inning.

Pakistan was two out and still scoreless in the sixth inning when heavy rain poured down at about noon. The umpire then called off the game one hour later to Pakistan's victory.

"Our team is better than Indonesia in fielding and pitching. We also have better physical fitness than the Indonesian players," Pakistani coach Shujjat Ali told The Jakarta Post after the match.

"But Indonesian players have better skills in catching."

Indonesian coach Rachmad Nasir admitted that his team needed to achieve a higher level of physical fitness.

"We've only had one-and-a-half months for preparation. It wasn't enough to build a strong team. I need at least three months," he told the Post.

"Our players, however, have better skills and strategy. We have to exploit these advantages against stronger teams."

Rachmad expressed disappointment about rain halting play and deciding the end result prematurely.

"Had it not rained, I'm sure we could have won. My players had just found their rhythm when it rained."

On Monday, favorites Thailand will meet Malaysia, Pakistan will face Uzbekistan, and Indonesia will challenge Hong Kong.

"I have prepared a special strategy for Monday's game against Indonesia," Hong Kong coach Xianhua-Zhang told the Post.

"It is my intention as well as the rest of the team to grab the title and to go to Taiwan for the first division match in March."

Rachmad said he didn't want to underestimate Hong Hong's players skills.

"I always ask my players to be very careful whoever their opponent is. Never underestimate others," he said.

Meanwhile Thailand manager Thanakij Heinghom told the Post he had already worked out their strategy to beat Malaysia.

"We have met before in a friendly match in Bangkok and I already know their game. We'll just do our best," he said. (nvn)