Waqar seeks rapid improvement before crunch clash

Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis admitted that rapid improvements were necessary before their high-profile showdown with India at the weekend.

Pakistan completed a comfortable 97 run victory over the Netherlands but a lacklustre performance by the middle order and an unacceptable 40 sundries took the gloss off their win.

"We should have got 300 on that wicket," Waqar said. "And then we didn't bowl that well - giving away so many easy runs was a worry.

"Perhaps we were a little lethargic playing against a weaker side but there are a few things we've got to improve on and talk about in the next few days."

The form of star batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, who has scored just 10 runs in four innings, is a serious concern.

"He is one our best players and has performed brilliantly for Pakistan in the past," said Waqar.

"Hopefully, he will get some more runs in the next game against India."

But Waqar paid tribute to Wasim Akram who became the first bowler to take 500 ODI wickets.

"I just want to salute him. It is an outstanding achievement for him and for Pakistani cricket. I don't see anybody else bettering his achievement," said Waqar.