Younis plays down ODI return

Pakistan batsman Younis Khan has played down talks of him scoring plenty of runs in the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

"Yes, it is true Sri Lanka has been a good team for me. I scored a hundred against them on my Test debut and also a triple-hundred," he said. "But this is a new series and this is going to be a much tougher series as they have been doing well in recent times.

"I will just try to give my best but yes, when you resume playing in any form of the game after a break, it takes a while to find your rhythm and timing."

Pakistan tour Sri Lanka in August to play two Tests and three ODIs. It will be their first Test in seven months after their home series against the same opponents in UAE in January.

Younis was also all praise for the new head coach Waqar Younis who has begun a second stint with the national team.

"I have worked with Waqar before when he was head coach and during his time, the team showed very good progress and won consistently. I am confident we will resume our winning ways and improve from where we left off last time."

Pakistan are scheduled to play at least 15 ODIs before the World Cup, against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand.