NEW DELHI: Pakistan have received a much-needed boost ahead of Sunday’s T20 World Cup clash with India, as all-rounder Imad Wasim has been declared fit to play.
Imad missed Pakistan’s opening game – a humiliating defeat to the USA in Dallas – and the final match of their pre-tournament series against England due to a reported rib injury.
However, Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten announced at the pre-match press conference that the 35-year-old left-arm spinner will be available for selection.
“He will be available,” said the South African, who took over the reigns of the Pakistan team in April.
Kirsten could not provide details about Pakistan’s likely line-up, as he was awaiting fitness updates on other players.
However, the coach emphasized that whoever took the field would not need any extra motivation to rebound from the painful defeat to the USA by securing a win against their arch-rivals, India.
“It’s never nice not winning games of cricket for any player. They’re trying their best. It’s never nice. I don’t think I needed to motivate this team for this game,” he said.
“I think the important thing for us is that we operate genuinely as a team. Yes, we need individuals to make good performances, but playing games like this, I think is a real team effort.
“It’s a big game, so we’re going to treat it as any other game. But certainly, give it our best shot. The team’s motivated. I mean, if that’s what you’re questioning, two days ago is forgotten. We can’t take it back. It’s gone. So, we move on,” he said.
(With AFP inputs)
Imad missed Pakistan’s opening game – a humiliating defeat to the USA in Dallas – and the final match of their pre-tournament series against England due to a reported rib injury.
However, Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten announced at the pre-match press conference that the 35-year-old left-arm spinner will be available for selection.
“He will be available,” said the South African, who took over the reigns of the Pakistan team in April.
Kirsten could not provide details about Pakistan’s likely line-up, as he was awaiting fitness updates on other players.
However, the coach emphasized that whoever took the field would not need any extra motivation to rebound from the painful defeat to the USA by securing a win against their arch-rivals, India.
“It’s never nice not winning games of cricket for any player. They’re trying their best. It’s never nice. I don’t think I needed to motivate this team for this game,” he said.
“I think the important thing for us is that we operate genuinely as a team. Yes, we need individuals to make good performances, but playing games like this, I think is a real team effort.
“It’s a big game, so we’re going to treat it as any other game. But certainly, give it our best shot. The team’s motivated. I mean, if that’s what you’re questioning, two days ago is forgotten. We can’t take it back. It’s gone. So, we move on,” he said.
(With AFP inputs)
