MOHALI – Team unity has helped Pakistan recover from last year’s spot-fixing scandal and qualify for the World Cup semi-finals, pace bowler Umar Gul said on Moday.
Three Pakistan players have been banned for a minimum of five years each after manipulating incidents in the fourth test against England at Lord’s.
On Monday, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik told Indian television he was keeping a “close watch” on the team ahead of Wenesday’s semi-final against India.
“I gave a warning that there should be no match-fixing,” Malik said. “I am keeping a close watch. If any such thing happens, we are going to take action.”
Gul told a news conference he had not heard Malik’s remarks.
“We are just focusing on the game and there is no pressure on us,” he said. “For the past five to six months, we have endured a lot of pressure and scandals. But we have been doing well for some time.”
“First the South Africa series and, especially in New Zealand, where we won both the series. It’s not easy to win in New Zealand. Unity is the key factor in our team right now. It has take the pressure away from us.”
Gul, who has taken 14 wickets in the tournament with an economy rate of 3.86, said he was enjoying his bowling at the moment.
“It would be a good experience to bowl against India. I have been bowling well in this World Cup and am at my peak at the moment. It is good for me,” he said.
“I am happy with my performance and our bowling is doing very well with Shahid Afridi as the leading wicket-taker.”
Gul said he thought dew could become a factor on Wednesday although the team had not yet had an evening training session.
“We will assess the wicket after tomorrow. Traditionally, Mohali has a sporting wicket with some help for bowlers and it’s good for batting too.
“A good score will depend on the wicket and the dew. I feel 270-280 should be a good score.”
Gul also said he would like Shoaib Akhtar to return to the side and said reports that the management were upset with the veteran fast bowler, who retires after the tournament, were untrue.
“He is a great and experienced bowler. If he plays along with me, it will be good as there will be less pressure on me,” Gul said. “The last time, I bowled alone and the entire responsibility was on me.”
