The Pak bowling coach Azhar Mahmood expressed confidence ahead of the final with India. Image Source: XtraTime[/caption]Debasis Sen, London: There are clouds of uncertainty hanging over Md. Amir’s availability in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy against India on Sundayat the Oval. The Pakistan team management is yet to decide whether the left arm fast bowler will be able to take the field. Amir is still recovering from back spasms, which forced him out of the semi-final clash against England at Cardiff. Amir seemed to be struggling as he bowled at the nets today at the Oval.
“He is better and has participated in nets, but the management has yet to decide on his inclusion in the playing XI for the final match,” said Azhar Mahmood.
In case Amir has to sit out in teh final, Rumman Raees will take his place.
The Pak bowling coach expressed confidence ahead of the final with India as he said, “Pakistan is here to win the final and change Pakistan’s history of not producing positive results against India in ICC events”.
"I know that India has won more games in ICC events but over all we have beaten them quite often and have a better record than them. I think it is high time for us to change the myth when we meet them in the final on Sunday," Azhar said.
Talking about the mood in the team, the Pak bowling coach said, “The way the team has played the last three matches after the first one, I think everything is going well. The boys are positive and the morale is good.”
It will be home atmosphere for Azhar, who has played for Surrey for a long time. On being asked whether the Pakistan team will be benefited from his inputs, Azhar said, “I think it doesn't matter. I always want to contribute in any fashion to Pakistan cricket because whatever Azhar Mahmood is it's because of Pakistan cricket. Yes, Surrey is my second home and I can say after international cricket this is my home. Yes, I have home advantage and I will tell the boys what to do. But in the end, when you're a coach, you sit outside and you can't control the game. You can give the plans but in the end, it's up to the boys how they execute those plans.”
Talking about the Oval pitch, Azhar said, “The Oval pitch has always been friendly. It plays very well, and you can get a lot of runs square of the wicket. Like in the India v Sri Lanka match that happened, it was a true pitch, and batsmen were hitting shots on the up. Sometimes you would have seen matches here with the ball moving around. So let’s see. This pitch looks very dry to me, so it could be a high-scoring match. But with the way our bowlers are doing, we’ll try to keep the score down.”
Pakistan will be relying on Hasan Ali, who has been impressive in the semi-final against England at Cardiff. Ali, seems to have injured himself but has recovered since and has no doubts about playing in the final.
“I think he’s one of the best bowlers Pakistan has right now. He’s a genuine wicket-taker, and the reason for our wins is that he comes in the middle period and takes wickets. We have an attacking option now with the old ball and new.”
On being asked about the pressure of playing against India, Azhar said, “Definitely India Pakistan matches are never a dull game wherever you play. This is an ICC event final. I think after the World T20 final (2007) this is the first time both teams are in the final of an ICC event. It's massive. India refused to play against us; we're playing India Pakistan in a bigger stage. It's like Ashes, it's bigger than Ashes. Expectation is high from both nations; both nations are crazy about cricket. It will be a good game. Yes, we want to win, and they want to him. Whoever plays well on that day, let's hope the best team win that day.”
On being reminded about the poor record against India in the ICC events, Azhar said, “Our record against India is not great in ICC tournaments. But overall if you see our record, we’ve beaten India quite often. It’s 72-52, I know my stats! I’m not a stat-man but coming to this match… (Laughter)
Definitely they have had an upper hand in ICC tournaments, but now things have changed and this is the time for us to change the script.”
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