Fans want Pakistan to be at their best

ISLAMABAD: Fans across the country are eager to see Pakistani cricketers firing on all cylinders against India on Sunday (today) to put their Champions Trophy campaign back on track.

Pakistan will start as underdogs in the high voltage match where nothing less than a victory against the arch-rivals will ensure their stay in the hunt for a place in the semi-finals. Any other result will mean curtains for the host nation.

“We want our team to beat India by giving their best. Beating India is not a big deal. We have done it before and can do it again provided we play to the best of our abilities,” Tehseenullah, a local club cricketer, said.

He hoped that the bowling department spearheaded by Shaheen Shah and Naseem Shah would be seen at its best.

“The time has come for the two new ball bowlers to excel and to make a statement. It is now or never for the two who have the ability to torment the best batting line-up. It all depends as to how they grab the opportunity coming their way. I wish them success. All they need is to put the best on display on Sunday.”

Faisal Suleman was critical of the batting line-up for not showing their potential. “Our batting line-up can manage over 300. The recent performance in back to back matches against New Zealand was not the one which can show their true substance. I hope that they will raise their standards to a new level in a make or break match. It is now or never scenario for the Pakistan cricketers.

I hope and pray that all the playing members would raise the standard of their game to a level where they could leave India far behind.”

Saba Ikram, who figures in college cricket, called for a better selection when it would come to naming playing XI for the match against India. “Admitted that we have messed up with 15-member selection as there are limited resources when it comes to spin options. Yet we can compensate for it by selecting the best playing XI. With the arrival of Imamul Haq I believe Pakistan’s top-order would give a better look,” she said.

Mohammad Khalid, who works with a foreign company, was optimistic about Pakistan’s chances. “When everyone writes off Pakistan, they come back all guns blazing.

Hopefully they will do the same against India on Sunday. India is a team which has many flaws. All required is to exploit these and to give your hundred percent. Batsmen need to play professional cricket rather than losing their wickets in quick succession. Pakistan’s best performance would be enough to beat India,” he said.

“We are the hosts and as such we are required to stay in the competition to keep locals’ interest alive.”