Thaindian News

Dhaka, March 23 (IANS) Gung ho after his openers at last came good in the comprehensive ten-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first World Cup quarterfinal, Pakistan coach Waqar Younis Wednesday hoped that his problems with the openers was over. He also praised Mohammed Hafeez for his all-round performance.

Waqar said the emphatic win was the team’s gift to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

“We have struggled with our openers in the tournament. It is pleasing to see them get runs. It will help us in the coming games,” Waqar told mediapersons after Pakistan cantered into the World Cup semifinals.

The 1992 Cup champions shot out West Indies for 112 and then surpassed the rival score in 20.5 overs.

Hafeez remained unbeaten on 61 after finishing 2-16 as an opening bowler to get the Man of the Match award.

“Hafeez played an outstanding knock. He bowled superbly. He looked like a man in form. He is very smart and very confident. It is very hard to believe that a man can have such self-belief,” said Waqar.

The former fast bowler said the pressure of everyone calling his side favourites had given them a boost.

“We took Chris Gayle’s wicket early. And then bowled and batted superbly,” he said.

Waqar gave all credit to the bowlers for being in great form in the World Cup. “I may be the coach, but the full credit has to be given to the bowlers the way they have manoeuvred and implemented the ideas.”

With cricket in Pakistan getting a bad name on account of the spot-fixing scandal, Waqar said: “Victories like this will help the game get back its old place.”