BENONI: Pakistan end their ICC U-19 World Cup battle with their third spot fixture to contend with New Zealand at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Saturday. The Rohail Nazir-drove Pakistan were crushed by India in the semi-final at the JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom on Tuesday which finished their expectations of winning the title for the third time.
However, the shaheens in green are still hopeful and determined for a win and have their heads high to end the tournament on winning note. Completing third will help Pakistan U-19s enhance their fourth spot in the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup organized in New Zealand.
Coach Ijaz Ahmed affirmed one change in the playing eleven for the third-position tournament finisher as left-arm-pacer Tahir Hussain was ruled out of the match because of back damage.
Ijaz stated: “The third spot match is a significant one for us as we need to complete the tournament on a high. We are rehearsing a similar way we had for each game. We need to complete third.
“We have told the players that it is another game and they should focus on their day by day forms instead of stressing excessively. This stage is likewise a piece of the improvement of the players and an exercise that should prove to be useful for them in their careers ahead.
“I have a strong feeling these players can possibly advance to a greater stage with their given potential. This team of players is truly able and some of them will doubtlessly represent Pakistan, play the Pakistan Super League and top notch cricket in the not so distant future. As a mentor it gives me extraordinary joy to take a shot at the players loaded with potential, the World Cup was a piece of their improvement and they have done genuinely well in that angle,” he concluded.
