We have bowling firepower to match Aussies: Younis

Karachi:

Pakistan captain Younis Khan is banking on his fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul to provide the firepower to match the pace of the Australians in the one-day series in Dubai and Abu Dhabi starting on Wednesday.

"We have quality bowlers in Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul and if they provide the start we want we have back up bowling to match the Australians," Younis said on Tuesday from Dubai.

He said the series was important for his side as a winning result would boost Pakistan cricket, which is needed at a time when international teams are avoiding playing in the country due to security concerns.

"No matter what team the Australians bring they are the world champions and they like to win all the time. Beating them would always be a big plus for us," he added.

Younis said since the pitch at the Dubai Sports City is being used for the first time any team winning the toss would prefer to bat first.

"The lights are such at the stadium that I don't think any team would like to chase a total. But it all boils down to which teams gets right in batting, bowling and fielding."

He also said the ICC's decision to shift the 2011 World Cup matches from Pakistan had shocked him and his teammates. "It is a big blow to Pakistan cricket because the World Cup is the pinnacle of cricket and people really come together for the World Cup," he said.