Waqar Younis Says Pakistan Determined to Break World Cup Jinx Against India
Waqar Younis, who himself was part of two such defeats at the hands of India in 1996 and 2003 World Cups, said the current team's biggest objective was to make a turnaround and break the win-less streak.
Losing to arch-rivals India in all the previous five World Cup clashes has certainly hurt Pakistan and they are determined to break the jinx this time around in the showpiece event beginning on Saturday, their coach Waqar Younis said.(Abbas Backs Pakistan to Beat India)
Waqar, who himself was part of two such defeats at the hands of India in 1996 and 2003 World Cups, said the current team's biggest objective was to make a turnaround and break the win-less streak.
"Our biggest objective is we want to make things turn around. In all the World Cups we have not been able to beat India. We have won the World Cup in 1992 and been in a World Cup final as well. This has been one hiccup we have not been able to overcome," Waqar said when asked about the potentially high-voltage clash between the arch-rivals on February 15 at the Adelaide Oval.(World Cup 2015: Full Coverage)
"In our last World Cup meeting (at Mohali in 2011 World Cup semifinals) we lost to them (India). We are trying to pick up from where we left it and end up on the winning side this time," the 43-year-old former fast bowler told 'ESPNcricinfo'.
Waqar, who took 373 wickets from 87 Tests and 416 scalps from 262 ODIs, said that his side wanted to get rid of the inconsistency tag associated with them.
"My personal target is the target of the team. We want to play good cricket and develop as a team. We want to get rid of the inconsistency tag associated with the Pakistan team, not only in the World Cup but also going forward," he said.
Opening batsman Nasir Jamshed, who was drafted into the Pakistan squad a few days back as a replacement for Mohammad Hafeez, said he hoped to be in the Pakistan squad for the match against India. He has a very good record against India, having scored three centuries and one half-century in six ODIs.
"As a professional cricketer, whether you are playing against India or Australia or South Africa, you have to perform your best. I have a good performance record against India and I hope I can continue with that. I hope I will be part of the Pakistan squad and score runs for the benefit of my team," said the 25-year-old left-handed batsman.
Asked about his goals in the World Cup, Jamshed said, "First, it a dream of every cricketer to play in a World Cup. It is the best opportunity for me to make a name and in addition to do well for my country.
"Whenever I get an opportunity, I will play as if that match is final match and play my level best to give maximum benefit to my team."
Rookie pacer Rahat Ali said that his side would aim to bowl India out for a low score.
"Our aim would be bowl India out for a low score. We can do that as we are good bowling unit," said the 26-year-old left-arm pacer who has played just one ODI so far.