Toss will be crucial, says Younis
Friday, October 02, 2009
From our correspondent
JOHANNESBURG: As Pakistan prepare to make their first ever Champions Trophy final, captain Younis Khan admitted the toss would go on to play an important role in the outcome of the match against New Zealand on Saturday (tomorrow).
Younis told 'The News' on Thursday that the Wanderers pitch has proved to be a nightmare for teams batting first. "I think if the wicket plays the way it has been behaving so far, the toss could play an important role in the outcome of the semi. It all depends on who wins the toss and what type of pitch we get for the match. The pitch provides assistance to bowlers and even facing the part-timers becomes all the more difficult," Younis said.
"So it all depends on luck. Which ever team wins the toss would turn out favourite to win the semis. However, we are adamant not to leave everything to luck. We would fight to the end even if we lose on the spin of the coin," he said.
The Pakistan skipper said that he holds New Zealand in high esteem. "The team has been playing good cricket so far in the tournament. I respect the New Zealand team and all those teams who have made it to the semifinals of the Champions Trophy. It has been a challenging tournament and every team making it to the last four has put in a lot of effort."
Younis said he had emerged as the first Pakistan captain to lead the team in the semifinals of the Champions Trophy. "Pakistan have never made it to the semis of the Champions Trophy and this would be the first time during the last 14 years that we are playing in the knock out stages."
He reiterated that his team is here to win the Trophy and would not be content with anything short of title.
"We are just two wins away from winning the event and as such every player is fully geared up to perform to his best."
Victory against Australia in the last pool match would have given Pakistan top spot in Pool A and a chance of playing in the first semi against England at Centurion. On the contrary, it is Australia that would go on to play in the first semi. "There is very little difference in the strengths of all the four teams. In spite of resting some players, we were almost there against Australia in the last match. I think any team can beat the other in the semis and the one that holds on to their nerves better is expected to go ahead."
Toss will be crucial, says Younis