SPORTS

Younis cues changes in top order

Source:PTI
April 04, 2005 21:01 IST

Notwithstanding the defeat in the opening one-dayer at Kochi, Pakistan vice-captain Younis Khan asserted that his side had not run down in confidence but indicated changes at the top of the batting order for Tuesday's tie against India in Vishakhapatnam.

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"In one-dayers it does not matter if we lose one or two games. My boys are very high on confidence. We have five more matches and God willing the result will be different," Younis said at a pre-match conference.

Asked why Shahid Afridi had not opened the batting at Kochi, Younis said "in this match there will be changes in the top batting order".

Regarding Afridi, he said the dashing batsman had been representing Pakistan for the last 7-8 years and was adept at playing at various positions according to the need of the team.

"Though the team is yet to be decided we may ask him to open the innings," he added.

On the strategy his team would adopt, Younis said "our batsmen need to stay on in the middle and build partnerships while the bowlers have to bowl on line".

But he said that his team had an edge over India as far as all rounders were concerned.

"One-day cricket is all-rounders' game. In the last game they (their all rounders) did not click but in this department we have an edge over India," Younis said.

Refusing to attach too much importance to the catches dropped by his fielders at Kochi, he said "that's part of the game.

"Sehwag benefitted from one such but yes when you drop  catches that does not help your cause."

Younis also expressed himself against bringing in late replacements like Shabbir Ahmed. "Is this a club side? If a player does not play one or two matches you drop him?" he asked.

Source: PTI
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