Waqar Younis included for one-day series decider (23 November 1998)

23 November 1998

Waqar Younis included for one-day series decider

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Nov 22: Waqar Younis took a giant step in his comeback bid when he was included in the 15-man Pakistan cricket team for the one-day series decider against Zimbabwe to be played at Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Also picked in the side was former vice-captain Aqib Javed who was selected in place of Mohammad Akram who conceded 31 runs from his six overs.

Aqib, who was Aamir Sohail's deputy on the Canadian trip for the Sahara Cup, was not played in Dhaka's International Cup. He failed to qualify in the team for the next five one-dayers, including Sunday's one which was played in his hometown, Sheikhupura.

But the inclusion of speed merchant Waqar Younis was an encouraging news for his fan club.

Waqar Younis last played for Pakistan on the South Africa and Zimbabwe tours earlier this year. But sustained elbow injury which even restricted from him to play a full English County Championship season for Glamorgan.

He now has confirmed his match fitness after playing two first-class matches and as many three-day Patron's Trophy games.

"He is an asset to have in the team," Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail, said. "If he is in the side, naturally he will get the preference over other bowlers," he added.

But coach Javed Miandad minced no words in saying that the recall of Waqar Younis was a clear indication that the youngsters have failed to come upto expectations.

"If you are switching from youngsters to experience, what does it mean?," he questioned, saying: "At least the team can get some experience because he (Waqar Younis) knows how and where to bowl."

Aamir Sohail, when asked if he was satisfied with the side, he replied: "You ask the selection committee or the coach. I have not been consulted."

Miandad said he saw Waqar Younis in the camp and he looked fit. "Well, he hasn't informed me about his fitness but he has played two Patron's Trophy matches and if he has confirmed his availability, he must be considering himself fit to face the rigours of competitive cricket."

Younis is just 19 wickets short of joining Wasim Akram as the only bowlers to have 300 or more wickets in one-day cricket. In Tests, he requires 33 wickets to become the third Pakistan with 300 or more wickets after Imran Khan and Wasim Akram.

Aamir Sohail (captain), Saeed Anwar, Ijaz Ahmad, Yousuf Youhana, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Hasan Raza, Shahid Afridi, Moin Khan, Azhar Mahmood, Wasim Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Mushtaq Ahmad, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis and Aqib Javed.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)