Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his concerns on Saturday about the team’s batting ahead of their clash against Ireland in a final Pool B league encounter of the World Cup in Adelaide tomorrow (Sunday).
Up till now, Pakistan have won three out of five games to be locked on six points with Ireland and both teams need a win to stay above West Indies.
According to Shoaib, Pakistan’s batting effort is key in the crucial clash in Adelaide.
“I am not worried about our bowling attack, it is our batting which I’m worried about, especially while chasing a target,” Akhtar, who is part of the Star Sports Hindi commentary panel, told Press Trust of India.
“In my opinion, Pakistan should choose to bat first if they win the toss and set a big target which is difficult for Ireland to chase against the revitalised bowling attack of Pakistan,” said Akhtar.
Pakistan’s batting coach Grant Flower has also warned the team batsmen to get their head in the game.
“I would like to believe our best is yet to come. If we don’t, I don’t think we will go much further in the tournament,” the former Zimbabwean star said.
The team, who lost to Ireland in the 2007 World Cup, want to avoid a repeat of the embarrassing loss.
They also saw the death of coach Bob Woolmer a day after the loss and veteran batsman Younis Khan, who was part of the squad in West Indies, wants to win the match in Woolmer’s honour.
“This is surely a very emotional game for me and all of us,” Khan said.
“I remember Bob a lot, he contributed so much to Pakistan cricket. Hope we can win this game and some more in the World Cup. There would be nothing better to dedicate to Bob’s memory.”
