Junaid’s lethal spell of four for 43 helped Pakistan defeat India comfortably in the first match of the series in Chennai. PHOTO: AFP
Junaid grabbed four wickets to rock India’s top-order but it was the manner in which he picked up those that remained more impressive – swing, seam and sense. Younus, nevertheless, hoped the show continues for a long time.
“The great thing about Junaid is the way he’s performing consistently,” said Younus following the team’s training session at Eden Gardens yesterday. “This is a good sign not just for the team but for him as well. And if he keeps going on like this, we’ll hopefully find another good left-arm fast-bowler, someone like Wasim Akram. Junaid’s keen and wants to do well..”
Pakistan have never lost an ODI against India at this venue, beating them in 1987, 1989 and 2004. Younus last ODI innings at Eden Gardens lasted just eight balls and he failed to score. But centuries in his last two Tests here, along with his 60-ball 58 in the opening ODI, gives Younus the confidence of another good show.
“Hopefully, I will be able to carry on the Chennai form and play an innings that’ll help the team. But the onus will be on teamwork. We’re 1-0 up and we will try and further improve on things we did right in Chennai and also try and rectify the mistakes so that we go 2-0 up.
“I know that we’re playing India but we’re not taking any pressure on ourselves. We had lost the second Twenty20 but went into the opening ODI with confidence, playing according to the game-plan and that worked for us. I was making my comeback into the team as well but played without thinking about it too much.”
Goodwill ambassadors to watch Kolkata ODI
Meanwhile, four former Pakistan cricketers – Mushtaq Mohammad, Sadiq Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed and Intikhab Alam – will be present at Eden Gardens for tomorrow’s ODI.
Hanif Mohammad, who arrived in Delhi on Monday, is expected to be present at the final match of the series at Feroz Shah Kotla on Sunday.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2013.
COMMENTS (11)
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Read the title, "gives us hope of finding another Wasim’. The writer is not comparing junaid with wasim, you guys need to read and understand before commenting. Idiots
have to wait and see how he performaces on flat batting wicket, that will be his real test, to match the talent and skill of great wasim akram is no joke!
Hopefully he only try to emulate Wasim in bowling skills and not in politics/ethics/powerplay of him that destroyed the potential of 90s amazing talent.
Junaid really bowled well, as the conditions suit fast bowler, but its too early to rate him as high as Wasim Akram, Muhammad Amir was also called Junior Wasim, look what he has done........, so let the time decide.
Can't understand why Sohail Tanveer was played in T20s! Probably "parchi"! Junaid Khan is much better choice for all three formats!!!
I think its rightful to compare Muhammad Aamir with great Waseem Akram but wrong to compare Junaid with Waseem. He needs a lot of time to get that place and comparison. It would be too early to compare...........
Too early. It depends how good he is at level heading and in putting hard work and staying away from drugs and match fixing.
Although the boy does have skills, I think its unfair to compare him to the greatest left-armer of all time. JK still have a long way to go. Hopefully he will be able to dodge injuries, controversies etc and serve us in the times to come. Also, I think he needs another express skilful bowler who will bowl in tandem. Wasim and Waqar used to hunt in pairs. Hopefully we will unearth another talented bowler soon. After all, we do have a factory for producing fast bowlers :).
He's no wasim akram....lacks intelligence
@JJ: Thats also my opinion, but its just a comment by Younis to highlight his good performance. Btw there is a good video on how he is establishing an academy in his village. His mind is certainly in the right direction and has big dreams. I dint think too much of him before, but after hearing his thoughts in an interview with Talat hussain, I pray that he achieves his dreams.
Please don't match him with great WASIM now least he play 15 to 20 IOD.