SHARJAH: Pakistan team head coach Waqar Younis has high hopes for the 2015 World Cup, saying the green-shirts have all it needs to win the extravaganza.

“We are all excited about the mega event as it is the game’s top event and everyone has their eyes on the trophy so why not us? We are trying to take this belief in the dressing room. We have the potential, we have the talent and the skills; it’s just about putting it all together and coping with the pressure,” Waqar said in an interview.

Pakistan beat New Zealand by three wickets in the opener of the five-match ODI series in Dubai last Monday.

The second ODI will be played in Sharjah on Friday.

“We were very lucky in the 1990s when we had Shoaib Akhtar bowling and later on, also to some extent Umar Gul who was also bowling fast,” Waqar added.

“In recent times, we have Wahab Riaz who bowls briskly but as I said, you have to be disciplined. You cannot go out there and try and bowl 150kph and go all over the place as control is crucial,” Waqar, a veteran of 87 Tests and 262 ODIs, underlined.

Speaking about tall pacer Mohammad Irfan, Waqar said with a 7’1” height, the bowler has the ability to deliver some unplayable deliveries and the prospect of this bowler helping Pakistan to glory in the upcoming 2015 World Cup has not escaped the attention of the Pakistan team management.

“Irfan is 7’ 1” and it is very easy to break down when you are that tall and with his structure,” Waqar said adding the World Cup is around the corner and Irfan has the X-factor that Pakistan need in him.

“The cricketers who played cricket during the 1990s should come forward and help Pakistan cricket come up and improve its standing,” urged Waqar.

“It is great that Moin Khan is around with Mushtaq Ahmed, Ijaz Ahmed and Mohammad Akram. They understand the demands of modern game and can help the Pakistan team reach its full potential,” Waqar stated.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2014