Shoaib Akhtar: We Need To Win This World Cup
Shoaib Akhtar has lots of reason to look forward to this World Cup, this is his last World Cup and he wants to go out with a bang. Another reason is his likely duel with long term rival Sachin Tendulkar.
"We all know he is a great player. Every bowler gets hit.
Even Brett Lee gets hit a long way, so I am not worried about being hit for sixes by Tendulkar. I have got him off the first ball too," Akhtar told reporters.
"Not only Sachin, we will try to get other key players early because they can single handedly win matches. Put them under pressure, and get them out early -- that's what I will like to do," added Akhtar.
Speaking about Pakistan chances Shoaib said that the team must win to reclaim its pride after a scandalous year. Three Pakistan player were handed bans after being involved in spot fixing.
Shoaib admitted that Pakistan would miss the banned trio.
"Obviously we are very hurt inside by whatever has happened to us. Pakistan needs to win this Cricket World Cup at any cost. It will bring the charm back for people in Pakistan," said Akhtar.
"We are unfortunate that they are not there. But what can we do now? We have got to move on. I think whatever pace attack we have is good enough to win matches.
"We have the bowlers who can bowl at the death and we can restrict the sides. The main thing is that the ball is going to reverse swing as the match progresses. That is where I think Pakistan's strength lies," he said.
Akhtar also said that he can still bowl consistently at 150/kph despite his age.
"I still bowl 150 kph (93 mph). Obviously when you are 26 and 36, it's a bit different. I will try to do as well as I can with whatever ability I have. I am going to push my limits and give it all to the team."
Even Brett Lee gets hit a long way, so I am not worried about being hit for sixes by Tendulkar. I have got him off the first ball too," Akhtar told reporters.
"Not only Sachin, we will try to get other key players early because they can single handedly win matches. Put them under pressure, and get them out early -- that's what I will like to do," added Akhtar.
Speaking about Pakistan chances Shoaib said that the team must win to reclaim its pride after a scandalous year. Three Pakistan player were handed bans after being involved in spot fixing.
Shoaib admitted that Pakistan would miss the banned trio.
"Obviously we are very hurt inside by whatever has happened to us. Pakistan needs to win this Cricket World Cup at any cost. It will bring the charm back for people in Pakistan," said Akhtar.
"We are unfortunate that they are not there. But what can we do now? We have got to move on. I think whatever pace attack we have is good enough to win matches.
"We have the bowlers who can bowl at the death and we can restrict the sides. The main thing is that the ball is going to reverse swing as the match progresses. That is where I think Pakistan's strength lies," he said.
Akhtar also said that he can still bowl consistently at 150/kph despite his age.
"I still bowl 150 kph (93 mph). Obviously when you are 26 and 36, it's a bit different. I will try to do as well as I can with whatever ability I have. I am going to push my limits and give it all to the team."
