Sport | Cricket
We played positive cricket, says Khan
Pakistan skipper Younis Khan and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq talked to Gulf News on how they managed the impossible win over Sri Lanka.
- By K.R. Nayar, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:34 May 3, 2009
- Image Credit: AP
Jaipur: Pakistan skipper Younis Khan and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq talked to Gulf News on how they managed the impossible win over Sri Lanka.
Gulf News: Did you really expect to win this match, especially since your team has been under pressure?
Younis Khan: Before the start of the match I reminded my players that cricket is a team game and that a co-ordinated and determined effort can bring us victory. I also reminded them that every match is a new one and that they should not be affected by the reputation of the opponents.
If you can single out one important factor that contributed to your victory, what would that be?
We played positive cricket. What was needed from the seniors and the youngsters in the team was a positive outlook towards the match. Fortunately for me, I got it from them. The support from the crowd also played a big part.
How did you motivate them to ease out their pressures, more so since you are without strike bowlers?
I reminded them to play ball by ball and not think about how strong or how weak we are on the field.
How did you urge them to go for the kill?
We are a Muslim team and we are strong. We are brave too and we know how to handle situations.
When Jayasuriya went for his shots, did you think that you were in for a huge defeat?
After the first ten overs, we played good cricket. I reminded my players that we are here to win, and that if we can produce our best we can win.
So what was the turning point of the match?
It was our comeback into the game after the first ten overs. We knew from then on that if we can bowl tightly and restrict them for a reasonable total then we can win this match.
Do you now foresee an India-Pakistan final?
I would love our team to meet India in the semifinals or final.
Razzaq, what's your feeling after winning?
Abdul Razzaq: It was a team effort. Everyone played their role very well. All that I did was to bowl and bat according to the situation. It is a good victory and it will lift the confidence of the team.
Can this be counted as one of your finest allround performances under the circumstances in which Pakistan played this match?
My best allround performance was against India at Hobart in 2000. I scored an unbeaten 70 and took five wickets.
What do you look forward to now?
To serve my nation as long as I can, just like Akram and Imran did.
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