Umar Gul determined to do well against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 - ICC World Cup 2011
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754, depending on the outcome of their semi-final match.
A determined Gul stated, “The first three wickets in the top-order are very crucial for us. They are depending on the top three. I am looking for these three batsmen. I've got my new-ball skills back, which is good for the team.”
Commenting on his team’s strengths, Gul stated, “Our bowling is very good. Afridi is the leading wicket-taker. I am happy with my performance and form. We have a bit of an advantage with our bowling but I am happy with the way the batsmen played in the quarter-final.”
Pakistan played http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 in their quarter-final match and the Windies were crushed by the men-in-green. Batting first, the Caribbean Kings gave a 113 run target to Pakistan, which was achieved comfortably by their openers Mohammad Hafeez and Kamran Akmal.
This victory gave a lot of confidence to the Pakistan team, but Gul was fully aware of the competitiveness of hosts India in the upcoming match. He claimed that it would be a pressure game, as emotional fans from both countries would want their team to win. However, he said that the result was in no one’s hands and the better team on the day would emerge as winners.
Gul also suggested that the presence of veteran fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar would take a lot of pressure off his shoulders. He admitted that he was under pressure in the last few games, which were played without the “Rawalpindi Express.”
However, it is likely that the Pakistan management may opt for Shoaib instead of left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz. Team manager Intikhab Alam hinted that the veteran pacer was fully fit and motivated to represent his side in the all important match against India.
It will be a big challenge for both Gul and Shoaib to bowl against the Indian top-order, which has produced the bulk of runs for their team in the tournament until now. Openers Sachin Tendulkar and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Gautam-Gambhir-c58623 and Yuvraj Singh.
One weakness for India in their batting line-up has been the lower middle-order, which has struggled to score runs in the death overs. Pakistan will definitely be aware of this fact and if they get a few quick wickets at the top of the order, India will find it hard to cope with the pressure.
No matter what the result, the fans will be hoping for a thrilling game of cricket tomorrow.
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