Daily Times

KARACHI: Former Test player Younus Khan said Sunday that Pakistan had the ability to beat India in the ICC Champions Trophy as Pakistan had outperformed India in the past as well. “Pitches look good and in my opinion, even 400 runs will be easily chased down in the Champions Trophy,” said the former captain. Younus tipped Pakistan to concentrate on fielding, in addition to bowling and batting. “In modern cricket, fielding is the key for winning ODIs and T20 cricket and Pakistan must focus on fielding and grab every opportunity,” he added. He pinned hopes on skipper Sarfraz Ahmed to take Pakistan cricket team forward. “It’s a great chance for Sarfraz to lead the side well and take Pakistan cricket forward and all will depend on him that how he leads the side.” He also emphasised the need to support all players so as to keep their moral up. Pakistan will be facing their archrivals India in their first match of the Champions Trophy on June 4. Younus believes warm-up wins carry no worth but Pakistan’s last gasp victory against Bangladesh in Saturday’s match deserved praise. Pakistan were asked to chase 342 run by Bangladesh after opener Tamim Iqbal scored 102 off 93 balls. Pakistan, backed by a top-score of 72 from all-rounder Shoaib Malik, were able to take the match close and then all-rounder Fahim Ashraf finished the match in style with an unbeaten 64 off 30 balls. Younus said that teams generally don’t play their full-strength squads in warm-up games thus devouring them of their importance. “The warm-up matches are not to be taken seriously as teams do not field their full strength squads in them, but Pakistan’s victory was good in the match against Bangladesh courtesy Fahim Ashraf and Hasan Ali’s brilliance,” said Younus. The 39-year-old added that Pakistan can make it to the semi-finals of the tournament if they can improve their fielding.