ISLAMABAD: Former Test cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz while showing disappointment on Pakistan’s performance in the World Cup said Younis Khan should be rested in the next match as he had lost his confidence.

Talking to APP, he said Sarfraz Ahmed should open with Nasir Jamshed if Ahmed Shehzad cannot play in the next match due to an ankle injury he had suffered.

However, according to reports, Ahmed has been cleared to play in the team’s third match against Zimbabwe on March 1.

Ahmed was sent for an MRI scan which was clear and he will be playing in the next match.

Sarfraz said the green-shirts need to give good targets to other teams in the remaining matches if they want to improve their net run rate.

“Players should now keep everything aside and just focus on the World Cup matches,” he said.

The former fast bowler said it was time that players should get united and focus on the matches.

“Stop worrying about the off field situations,” Sarfraz advised the players, adding, “We want our team to remain in the tournament and winning matches is the only way for it.”

He said Pakistan should bat first if they win the toss against Zimbabwe.

“Pakistan should then try to set the target of 300 runs,” he added.

Sarfraz said with Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan and Mohammad Hafeez not bowling in the mega event, our team’s morale was already down. “If our bowlers do not perform well then the target of 300 won’t be enough.”

He said Pakistan should avoid losing early wickets.

“Every player, whether he is a batsman or bowler, should do his job well in the remaining matches.”

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play