Following Pakistan’s emphatic win against India on Saturday evening, skipper Younis Khan declared that the “Champions Trophy is ours and his country deserves it most”.
“This Trophy was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan. We were the real hosts. My nation wants it back and we are ready to give our hundred percent to get it back for the country,” Younis told reporters.
He said another factor that has added to their hunger was that they had never reached the final of the Champions Trophy. “We have never reached the final and I think it is a good opportunity to go on to win the prestigious title. It is a good chance and we are only three games away from winning it. Our country needs a few more titles like this Trophy.”
He praised Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf for their sensible game in the middle. “We owe the victory to both of them. Their innings have given us tremendous boost. They stuck to their job well and that turned out to be real difference.”
Younis said it was a good toss to win on a wicket that suited stroke-play. “I knew it very well that anything around 300 would provide a good opportunity for Pakistan to wrap up the match. Even a score of 270 would have been a fighting one. If you look at the records under lights on this ground such targets have not been chased.”
The captain, however, was unhappy with his team’s fielding display. “When I got Gautam run out, I felt pain in my finger. Fielding with a broken finger is always difficult but I knew the team needs me and my inclusion would help boost the player’s morale.”
He admitted that India had their chances in the match. “Gautam Gambhir was playing brilliantly and when (Suresh) Raina was playing with Raul Dravid, things were getting dangerous.”
He also praised Dravid’s innings, saying his efforts were focussed on staying at the crease. “We are very lucky that he got run out. I was getting the feeling that if he continues to bat like he was he could take the game away from us.”
To a question about Umar Gulís inability to bowl on the Centurion pitch, he said: “Had he bowled brilliantly, India could not have made even 200. It was his off day mainly because the wicket was not suited to a bowler who pitches short.”
Younis said that though Aamir bowled well he became too excited. “Sometimes in these big matches you tend to get a bit too excited. That is why there were a few no-balls and wides. When I was very young, whenever I played against India, Australia or England I wanted to do something extra all the time. That is why sometimes you cross the boundary.”
