Pakistan’s warm-up win against Bangladesh praiseworthy: Younus Khan

Batting legend believes captain Sarfraz can take country’s cricket to the top

KARACHI: Pakistan batting legend Younus Khan believes warm-up wins carry no worth but Pakistan’s last gasp victory against Bangladesh in Saturday’s match deserved praise.

Pakistan were asked to chase 342 run by Bangladesh after opener Tamim Iqbal scored 102 off 93 balls. Pakistan, backed by a top-score of 72 from all-rounder Shoaib Malik, were able to take the match close and then all-rounder Fahim Ashraf finished the match in style with an unbeaten 64 off 30 balls.

Younus, while talking at the inaugural ceremony of a Ramazan tournament in Karachi, said that teams generally don’t play their full-strength squads in warm-up games thus devouring them of their importance.

“The warm-up matches are not to be taken seriously as teams do not field their full strength squads in them, but Pakistan’s victory was good in the match against Bangladesh courtesy Fahim Ashraf and Hasan Ali’s brilliance,” said Younus.

When asked about Pakistan’s chances against India in the upcoming June 4 clash in the Champions Trophy, Younus said Sarfraz’s men beat Virat Kohli-led side.

“Pakistan have beaten India in the previous edition of the tournament and still have the ability to beat them,” he said. “The conditions will be different for both Pakistan and India but the pitches are in good shape to support high totals.”

The 39-year-old added that Pakistan can make it to the semi-finals of the tournament if they can improve their fielding.

“Sarfraz has the chance to take Pakistan cricket to the top by playing well in the tournament as he has a good team with him,” said Younus. “However, Pakistan will have to focus on their fielding in order to win the matches.”

Meanwhile, talking about Ramazan cricket, Younus said it is a good and healthy activity for the players. “It is good for the players but also difficult for the batsman to bat during fast,” he said.