Younis Khan: I think I have made a good start

JOHANNESBURG (South Africa), February 3: Pakistan batsman Younis Khan Monday said he was ready to rise to the occasion and show his majestic batting touch in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup starting February 9.

Younis Khan Photo © Reuters

"I think I have made a good start. I am feeling good and confident that I would carry on the good work," Younis, a modest and down to earth type of cricketer, said.

Younis made a blazing start to the tour when he scored a 65-ball unbeaten 94 against Gauteng at Alberton on Saturday that included 30 off the last over of Adam Bacher. Pakistan play the same opposition on Tuesday at Lenasia.

"You know, it (good performance) all comes from inside. When the atmosphere in the camp is excellent and you have good practice facilities at your disposal, you automatically want to do something extra and special. Not only me, I think all the players are geared up and motivated just because the (team) environment is so good," Younis said.

Younis said the younger boys were trying to follow in the footsteps of the senior players. "When we see them sweating, working extremely hard and staying focused for the World Cup, naturally we get the inspiration and we start thinking if they can do it why not us. And that's where your performance improves."

Younis pointed out Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as his source of inspiration. "I am sure all the (younger) boys feel that same because these senior boys have tremendous experience. They have been through this before and when they tell something from their experience, its always spot on.

"It's World Cup which is a great honour to play and represent your country. And when you are playing with icons like Rashid, Inzamam, Wasim and Waqar, I believe it is a perfect icing on the cake," Younis said.

Younis averages 31.44 from 70 one-day internationals and will be playing his first World Cup. He holds Pakistan's middle-order batting alongside Inzamam and Yousuf Youhana.

"Naturally, there are butterflies flying in my stomach. World Cup is a tournament that every cricketer likes to play. But frankly speaking I just can't wait to go out there and do something special for my country. I know the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has done a lot for the players and the 140 million have high expectations. Inshallah, we will not disappoint them and will make them proud," Younis said.

Younis said he had no doubt in his mind that Pakistan would be one the four semifinalists. "I am pretty confident that we will reach the semifinals. As regards the semifinal and the final, we will need a bit of luck and some good performance to cross the hurdles."

Younis urged the followers of the game to keep faith in the Pakistan team and continue to shower it with their well wishes and prayers. "I have strong belief in our abilities and I request people back home to keep faith in us. We are preparing for the World Cup in the hardest possible ways we can. But at the same time I urge them to take cricket as a sport. It is not a matter of life and death, and there is going to just one winner at the end of the day."

Samiul Hasan
Media Manager
Pakistan Cricket Team
February 3, 2003