Openers Need To Fire says Coach Waqar Younis
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has warned under-performing opening pair Muhammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shahzad that they need to start delivering.
“We have to show real improvement in our batting, especially our openers who have not done well,” said Waqar.
Pakistan defeated Canada by 46 runs in their last match, after being bowled out for a very disappointing 184 against the Group A minnows.
Hafeez and Shahzad, who both showed good pre-tournament form, have managed partnerships of just 11, 28 and 16 in three matches so far, starts which Waqar feels put the middle order under strain.
“Both openers know they have not fired yet, but I’m not worried because there is no problem with their techniques, they were in good form coming into the World Cup, so I am sure they will come good soon,” said Waqar.
“I think since Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal and Younis Khan were making runs there was not much pressure but I am sure now after a poor batting show, others will also take responsibility. We need good starts,” said Waqar.
“We have batted first in all our three matches, so it would be a great test of our batsmen when we chase a target because that adds to the pressure,” he said.
“Our bowling is doing well and is supporting the batting, but we would have had a serious problem defending a 185-run target against stronger opposition.”
