‘Colts desperate to give nation the World Cup’

Pakistan team motivated ahead of U19 final, says manager.

KARACHI: When Pakistan’s junior team left for the UAE to compete in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) U19 World Cup, they just had one target in their minds — to win the title for their nation.

They are now just a step away from achieving the goal, with the teenagers highly motivated towards winning the 16-nation tournament.

The last hurdle remains South Africa, who will be seeking their first global trophy when both sides go into action at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.

The Proteas have had a smooth sail thus far and are yet to lose a game.

On the other hand, Pakistan, led by talented opening batsman Sami Aslam, had to endure a rollercoaster ride to the final. They had a shaky start losing their opening game to archrivals India, and it was only a gallant fight back from the lower-order that ensured their narrow three-wicket victory against England in the semi-finals.

Keeping this in mind, Pakistan team manager Ali Zia feels that thorough determination has helped the boys advance to the final.

“All the players came with an aim to win the World Cup,” Zia told The Express Tribune from Dubai on Thursday.

“They were resolute from the outset to give the nation good news in these tough times. That resolve has helped them to keep going in difficult situations.

“By this stage, the squad has gained a lot of confidence by making successful comebacks, and all the players are very excited ahead of the all-important clash.”

The manager conveyed his confidence in his team’s ability to overcome the in-form opposition in the decider.

“If they perform to their ability they have a good chance of beating South Africa.”

Pakistan have won the tournament twice, in 2004 and 2006, while they played their last final of the tournament in New Zealand in 2010.

Imam to undergo fitness test

The manager informed that opener Imamul Haq, who suffered from a hamstring injury in the semi-finals, will undergo a fitness test before the final.

“We are hoping that Imam will be completely fit in time,” he said. “Our physio is positive about his recovery but as a precaution the team management will take his fitness test before the match.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2014.

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