ICC World Cup 2019: Waqar Younis Wants Pakistan to Take Inspiration from Champions Trophy to Deliver against India
Jun 14, 2019 at 11:50 AM
Former Pakistan cricketer and head coach, Waqar Younis wants his national team players to pick wickets early on against India. Meanwhile, the match-awaited marquee clash between India and Pakistan will commence on super Sunday (June 16) at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
Waqar reiterated the new ball would play a crucial role. He added the openers have been pretty cautious in the first ten overs of the 50-over format.
“What I have seen in this World Cup so far is that if you don’t pick up early wickets, you’re in trouble. The new ball is so crucial. And openers are being more careful in the first ten overs this year,” Waqar wrote in his column for the ICC.
Waqar, who carved a niche with his bowling, urged Sarfraz Ahmed-led side to take inspiration from 2017 Champions Trophy win, to get better of top-notch India at the ODI showpiece.
Pertinently, Pakistan lost to India in the group stage match against June 4 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham by 124 runs.
However, in the grand finale at The Oval, Pakistan produced an outstanding show. Following an all-round show, Pakistan thrashed Virat Kohli-led side by 180 runs to lift the coveted trophy on June 18.
According to Younis, Pakistan must take a cue from their 2017 Champions Trophy show. He added India-Pakistan game always hold importance, but the impending game is very crucial for the Men in Green following a lousy start to the twelfth edition of the World Cup.
Old Trafford game crucial for Pakistan: Younis
Pakistan team has managed a solitary victory against England which further saw them losing their game against the Windies and Australia respectively. Also, their game against Sri Lanka was marred by bad weather.
“When Pakistan play India it’s always a huge game. But their meeting on Sunday is shaping up to be more crucial than ever,” Waqar maintained.
Waqar categorically stated that if Pakistan would want to extend their stay at the World Cup, they need to put up a stellar show against India.
“It’s simple. If Pakistan want to stay in the tournament, they have to bring an ‘A-plus’ performance and win that game,” Waqar added.
Overall, Pakistan has the edge over India in the ODI record against India. But in the World Cup events, India has thoroughly dominated Pakistan with a 6-0 record.
Pakistan should take positives to deliver against India:
However, without dwelling much into the World Cup record of India over Pakistan, the veteran wants his countrymen to back themselves. He wants them to rely on a positive approach when two heavy-weights will lock horns in the ODI showpiece.
“Pakistan have got to take positives out of what they did to India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy a couple of years ago. They must think positively going into this game,” Younis added.
Waqar, who is a celebrated bowler, is hoping that Pakistan would put a grand show against India/.
Recently, Pakistan has had shown some resistance against Australia before losing their game by 41 runs in Taunton. But the cause of concern has been their middle-order woes.
However, India thumped Australia by 36 runs at The Oval on June 9.
“I hope they have got their best game in the locker for India. They’ve showed against Australia that they are a very fine side,” Waqar added.
He concluded by saying watchful batsmen further make things easier when the ball doesn’t swing anymore.