Younis eyes Aussie scalp to pave path for Pak-India final
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
From Abdul Mohi Shah
JOHANNESBURG: Pakistan captain Younis Khan declared on Tuesday that his team will go all out for a win against Australia on Wednesday (today), saying that he wants to play India in the Champions Trophy final on October 5.
"We would leave no stone unturned to achieve a win against Australia. We would go all out for a win to keep the momentum going. I wish India could go on to meet us in the final again," Younis said.
Pakistan have already made it to the semis of the event, winning their two matches comfortably.
"I think all the Indians want Pakistan to win against Australia on Wednesday. We have got our well-wishers in India and we wish India good luck for a place in the semis. We definitely want to see them in the final. A Pakistan-India final is what I wish for," Younis said.
The Pakistan captain, however, said that since Pakistan is already in the semis, they may make some changes in the team for the match against Australia. "Imran Nazir is nursing an injury and he could be replaced while there are good chances of bringing in Mohammad Asif."
To a question about his chances of playing in the match, he said majority of players want him to lead the team. "I may be there to lead the team as we want to continue winning spree here," he said.
He said that Australia is a tough team and since they required an outright win, they would do their best to gain two points. "The match is more important for Australia as a win or a point could only guarantee their place in the semis. But I promise you giving Australia a very tough time in the middle."
Australian captain Ricky Ponting also spoke to media, saying that since Wednesday clash would be too vital for them, they would go all out for win.
"We cannot even think of taking the game lightly. We would go hard on Pakistan. It is the win that we need. We have got a reputation at stake and we would do all we could to save that."
Pointing said his team had done well so far and hopefully would continue playing the same way. "I don't think we have shown any weakness so far in the tournament. Players have been giving their best and hopefully would continue to play with the same spirit during the rest of the competition."
All an all an exciting match is on cards on Wednesday with pressure on the Aussies rather than Pakistan, "We would be under no pressure whatsoever and would try to play our normal game," Younis said.
Australia need at least a point from the game to join Pakistan in the semis. Australia has recently won the five match series against Pakistan 3-2 and that is the only time the two teams have met in recent times.
The weather, it seems, might have the last say on Wednesday as the forecast is not all that encouraging with showers expected later in the day.
Younis eyes Aussie scalp to pave path for Pak-India final
