RI bows out to Pakistan in rain-halted match
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)