Mohali: Umar Gul, the pacer who has often troubled India with his immaculate line and length, hopes to come up with yet another match-winning performance tomorrow. He trained hard at the Mohali stadium under the watchful eye of coach Waqar Younus. For Pakistan, he is expected to provide the early breakthrough and he spoke at length about his plans against India.
Gulf News: How have you planned to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag?
Umar Gul: The first three wickets of the top order are very crucial for us. India is depending on the top three. So I am aiming for the first three wickets.
There is talk about including Shoaib Akhtar in the eleven. Will it put a bit of pressure on you?
I always enjoy my bowling, especially against India. At the moment I am bowling at my peak form ...and if Shoaib [Akhtar] plays, it will be really good for me.
How do you see this encounter with India? Will it produce the best of cricket?
People from both countries want us to play each other more often. Both fans enjoy the cricket because the more we play each other, it is better. I hope it will be a good match and both countries play well.
Do you fear a strong reaction from the fans?
Whenever India and Pakistan have played against each other it has been a pressure match. Fans from both sides cannot bear a loss. But whatever cricket we have played, we have won six out of seven. Whatever support we will be getting we will be happy with. We will try to do our best, winning or losing is not in our hands. We can only give our best.
Personally, how big is this challenge for you?
No doubt the Indian batting line-up is strong but our bowling is equally good. I am happy with my performance and form. [Shahid] Afridi is our leading wicket-taker. We have a bit of an advantage with our bowling, but I am also happy with the way the batsmen played in the quarter-final. Their morale is very high. Hopefully the batting will also click and if we get a similar start like in the quarters, I am sure we will do well.
How did you handle the tough phase that your team went through?
For the last six months we have been under tremendous pressure with numerous scandals, but we still have managed to do well. Against South Africa, and New Zealand in New Zealand, we won both the series. Our biggest asset is the dressing room atmosphere. We all support each other, backing those who are not performing. The main factor behind our success is the unity and it has helped us come out of pressure situations. Before each match, we buck up and support each other.
How useful has the guidance been from coaches Waqar Younus and Aaqib Javed?
I got a lot of help from them in this World Cup. During the New Zealand tour, Waqar told me that I will be bowling with the new ball in the World Cup. For the last one and a half years, I wasn't able to deliver with the new ball because of which I lost my form. But in the last three months, I worked very hard with both of them and got my new-ball skills back. This has turned out to be good for the team too.
