‘Pakistan will bounce back’

NOTTINGHAM, England: Pakistan are 0-2 down in their five-match series and have shown little signs that they have in them to bounce back and turn the tables on England.

But all-rounder Imad Wasim stressed on Monday that Pakistan remained confident and will go all out for a victory in their must-win third One-day International (ODI) here at Trent Bridge on Tuesday (today).

“If you have confidence in your ability then you can achieve anything. If we win tomorrow then we will have the momentum and we can turn the tables on them in this series,” said Imad, who impressed with both the bat and ball in Pakistan’s four-wicket defeat in the second ODI at Lord’s last Saturday.

However, Imad admitted that England will be even stronger with all-rounder Ben Stokes fully fit to resume his bowling duties after playing the first two game as a specialist batsman.

“He (Stokes) is a great cricketer, a genuine all-rounder and one of the best (in the world),” said the Swansea-born Imad.

“When Ben Stokes [is fit] to bowl, England are definitely even stronger.

“But if we get ourselves right, we’re going to give them a tough time.”

Pakistan are trailing at number nine in the ODI rankings and the two they have lost back-to-back games against England aptly underlined the fact that they lag far behind leading teams in white-ball cricket.

“With the talent we’ve got, I don’t think it’s a number nine team,” he said.

“We have to show that in big matches like tomorrow. I believe we can come back.

“We have to work hard, trust ourselves and show our skills in front of the cameras.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever been number nine in the world,” he said.

“But if we stay united - which we are - we’re going to show the cricketing world what we’re capable of, just like we did in the Test matches.

“We’re number one in them, and we’re really looking forward to putting our rankings up in the one-dayers.

“It’s just cricket, and it can happen to any team,” he said.

“We’re ready, up for it. Whatever is gone is gone — it’s done.

“We have to get some runs on the board, and give our bowlers a chance,” said Imad, who is looking forward to returning to his birthplace — Wales — where Pakistan will play the last ODI on Sunday.