ICC Champions Trophy Younus Khan Said Toss will be crucial

Pakistan skipper Younus Khan feels the toss will play an important role in their semifinal against New Zealand.



“The wanderers pitch has proved to be a nightmare for sides batting first. I think if the wicket plays the way it has been behaving so far, the toss could play an important role in the outcome of the semi,” said Younus.

“It all depends on who wins the toss and what type of pitch we get for the match. The pitch provides assistance to bowlers and even facing the part-timers becomes all the more difficult.

“So it all depends on luck whoever wins the toss will also be favorite to win the match,” he added.

However, Intikhab had a different take on the pitch and feels the pitch for the semi final would be a sporting track.

“The semi final will be played on the same pitch that was used for the West Indies and India match. The track is void of grass and would be a sporting one provided the sky stays clear and weather remains bright,” Intikhab told Pakistani newsmen in Johannesburg.
“I think it would be a much better surface than what we have witnessed during last week. Those pitches, where we saw teams scoring less than 150, were a bit wet. Now when there is enough time for the curators to roll out the surface, it would be a much improved surface,” he added.

Intikhab also warned against taking New Zealand lightly. “I do not think any of the teams making it to the knockout stage could be taken lightly. They all have got strength and the ability to play tough cricket. That is why they have reached the semi finals,” he said.

Pakistan team held a long nets session today and the team also attended Friday prayers together in Johannesburg praying for success in the semi-final.
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Imran Nazir who had torn the webbing of his hand in the match against India also batted in the nets.

Intikhab said the tour selection committee had still not decided on the combination for the coming match.

“But it is a good thing we have competition for places.

If today we are facing problems in picking the best team, it is more due to the growing competition. It is a healthy sign of improvement in the team.”

Younus said they have to execute their plans well.

“We are just two matches away from the title. We know we have to play our best cricket in these two games. If we can manage to execute our plans 100 per cent right then we can make this a memorable year for Pakistanis the world over by having won two ICC events the same year,” Younus said.

“Right now it is an open lottery and there is no room for mistakes,” he added.

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