DHAKA = Pakistan’s confidence level has received a huge boost ahead of their key quarterfinal clash against the West Indies, said vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq.
“That was a big match for us and the way we held our nerves, it showed we have the potential to beat any side now. The win over Australia was a long time in coming but I think it came at the perfect time for us and that too in a close match.” “It’s a good feeling to be the team that ended Australia’s fantastic 34-match run. Now the important thing is to build on the win against Australia and take that momentum into the quarterfinals,” said Misbah.
The 36-year-old batsman said the players felt like they were playing at home when they faced four-time champions Australia in Colombo. Pakistan will play the West Indies in the quarterfinal at Mirpur, Dhaka, on Wednesday and Misbah cautioned his teammates not to take the Caribbean side lightly.
“I don’t think any team that has qualified for the last-eight stage should be considered weak. The reason these eight teams are in the knockout stage are because they were the best in the group matches. So there is no question of not respecting the West Indians,” Misbah told the Pakistani media after the national team reached Dhaka from Colombo on Monday.”
Misbah also hoped that local Bangladeshi fans and cricket lovers will back Pakistan against West Indies. “I know for a fact that the Bangladeshi people have always enjoyed our brand of cricket and the entertainment we provide to crowds. I am confident they will be backing us in the quarterfinal and it will be like playing at home,” he said.
