Share

Imad backs Pakistan to show one-day class

London - Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim insists his side are determined to show their one-day international credentials after a pair of lacklustre efforts against England.

Imad and his team-mates are ninth in the International Cricket Council one-day rankings after defeats in Southampton and at Lord's left them 2-0 down with three to play against England.

Nevertheless Imad says Azhar Ali's team have it in them to battle back in the third match at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.

"With the talent we've got, I don't think it's a number nine team," he said.

"We have to show that in big matches like tomorrow. I believe we can come back.

"We have to work hard, trust ourselves and show our skills in front of the cameras."

Imad concedes England will be even more formidable with Ben Stokes able to bowl again, after figuring as a specialist batsman only in the first two matches, but he is convinced Pakistan will still measure up.

"He's a great cricketer, a genuine all-rounder and one of the best (in the world)," Imad said on Monday.

"When Ben Stokes is fit to bowl, England are definitely even stronger.

"But if we get ourselves right, we're going to give them a tough time."

Former World Cup winners Pakistan have slumped below all other Test-playing nations in the ICC's ODI table and Imad knows it is time to make amends for that embarrassment.

"It's the first time we've ever been number nine in the world," Imad said.

"But if we stay united - which we are - we're going to show the cricketing world what we're capable of, just like we did in the Test matches.

"We're number one in them, and we're really looking forward to putting our rankings up in the one-dayers."

Imad's career-best 63 not out helped Pakistan recover from two for three at Lord's, where they were then unable to defend 251 all out.

The Swansea-born all-rounder is looking forward already to a weekend return to his native country, for the final match of the series in Cardiff.

He knows much hard work will be needed for a happy homecoming, and believes Pakistan must simply cast aside their struggles to date.

"It's just cricket, and it can happen to any team," he said.

"We're ready, up for it. Whatever is gone is gone - it's done.

"We have to get some runs on the board, and give our bowlers a chance."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Glasgow Warriors 0
Sharks 0
loading... Live
North West 2/0
Warriors RSA 145/7
loading... Live
Titans RSA 3/0
Lions 154/8
loading... Live
Western Province 173/4
Boland 18/1
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1817 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE