LAHORE, Feb 9: Pakistan junior coach Mansoor Rana, while departing for an important World Cup assignment on Saturday, has vowed to maintain the same momentum in the mega event, which his team showed by winning the tri-angular tournament in Sri Lanka.

Led by Imad Wasim, the 15-member Pakistan team, who are the defending champions, where to leave for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, late on Saturday night to take part in the World Cup.

While talking to reporters, Mansoor said that playing together for the last one and a half years against various countries such as Australia, England and Bangladesh in the recent past; the boys had matured quite a bit, while creating a good combination. Becoming more professional, they were also learning to keep themselves match-fit

“After losing a home series to Bangladesh, we tried to overcome our shortcomings and won the three-nation Cup in Sri Lanka and hopefully we will give the same performance in the World Cup to defend the title for the third consecutive time,” he said.

Mansoor sees India and Bangladesh as Pakistan’s two close rivals in the World Cup.

The induction of batsman Umar Akmal in the team has also added strength of our batting line-up.

Team:

Imad Wasim (captain), Ali Asad, Ahmed Shehzad, Shan Masood (vice-captain), Umar Amin, Umair Mir (wicket-keeper), Usman Salahuddin, Shahzaib Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Rameez, Mohammad Aamer, Adil Raza, Junaid Khan, Azhar Attari, Ahsan Mirza.

Opinion

Editorial

GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...
Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...