KARACHI – Pakistan must guard against complacency if they want to win the World Cup, former captain Imran Khan said on Thursday as the nation celebrated a thumping win over the West Indies. Pakistan romped into the semi-finals following a convincing 10-wicket win over the West Indies in Dhaka in the first of four quarter-finals on Wednesday. The victory gave the 170-million population more reasons to celebrate Pakistan Day which also fell on Wednesday.
“Pakistan was expected to beat the West Indies who had not beaten any top nation in this World Cup,” said Khan, who led Pakistan to their only World Cup win in 1992.
“Now I hope the team keep its feet on the ground and keep up the good work.” Pakistan will meet the winners of the second quarter-final, to be played between India and defending champions Australia in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Like millions of people in Pakistan and India, Khan also expected a possible clash between the arch-rivals.
“I think India will beat Australia, so it will be a Indo-Pak semi-final, which a lot of people were expecting,” said Khan, who believes Pakistan should give express paceman Shoaib Akhtar a chance in the semi-final. “Since Indian batsmen play spin well, my advice would be to include Shoaib Akhtar in the team,” said Khan of the paceman who last week announced he will retire after the World Cup. Another former great Javed Miandad said Pakistan has been superb in the tournament.
