SHARJAH: Pakistan team head coach Waqar Younis has high hopes for the
2015 World Cup, saying the green-shirts have all it needs to win the
extravaganza.
“We are all excited about the mega event as it is
the game’s top event and everyone has their eyes on the trophy so why
not us? We are trying to take this belief in the dressing room. We have
the potential, we have the talent and the skills; it’s just about
putting it all together and coping with the pressure,” Waqar said in an
interview.
Pakistan beat New Zealand by three wickets in the opener of the five-match ODI series in Dubai last Monday.
The second ODI will be played in Sharjah on Friday.
“We
were very lucky in the 1990s when we had Shoaib Akhtar bowling and
later on, also to some extent Umar Gul who was also bowling fast,” Waqar
added.
“In recent times, we have Wahab Riaz who bowls briskly but
as I said, you have to be disciplined. You cannot go out there and try
and bowl 150kph and go all over the place as control is crucial,” Waqar,
a veteran of 87 Tests and 262 ODIs, underlined.
Speaking about
tall pacer Mohammad Irfan, Waqar said with a 7’1” height, the bowler has
the ability to deliver some unplayable deliveries and the prospect of
this bowler helping Pakistan to glory in the upcoming 2015 World Cup has
not escaped the attention of the Pakistan team management.
“Irfan
is 7’ 1” and it is very easy to break down when you are that tall and
with his structure,” Waqar said adding the World Cup is around the
corner and Irfan has the X-factor that Pakistan need in him.
“The
cricketers who played cricket during the 1990s should come forward and
help Pakistan cricket come up and improve its standing,” urged Waqar.
“It
is great that Moin Khan is around with Mushtaq Ahmed, Ijaz Ahmed and
Mohammad Akram. They understand the demands of modern game and can help
the Pakistan team reach its full potential,” Waqar stated.
