KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan is optimistic Pakistan can at least reach the semi-finals of the upcoming Champions Trophy.

He also believes Pakistan can start off the tournament with victory in their high-profile clash with India on June 4.

“We’ve beaten India in the past in the Champions Trophy [in 2004 and 2009] and we have the ability to beat them again,” Younis told reporters at the opening ceremony of a Ramzan tournament here.

“In 2009, it was under my captaincy that we beat them and now Sarfraz [Ahmed] has the chance to do so again. He has a good team with him.”

“It’s a great chance for Sarfaraz to take Pakistan cricket forward and our chances depend how he leads the side. We must support our team and fans should change their mindset and should highlight the positives.”

He said Pakistan can get out of their group, which also features South Africa and Sri Lanka, and reach the last four.

“Like other teams, Pakistan also have a chance of doing well at the Champions Trophy,” Younis said. “The pitches look good for the event and I believe even targets of 400 can be chased down as pitches are in shape to support high totals.”

The Pakistan batting great added that Pakistan will have to concentrate and focus on their fielding in order to win the matches.

“Teams in our group have a great standard of fielding and in modern-day cricket, fielding is a key part of ODIs and T20s,” he said. “Pakistan must look to perform as a fielding unit, keep their focus and grab every opportunity.”

Younis said that although Pakistan’s nail-biting victory in the warm-up match against Bangladesh on Saturday doesn’t count for much, it will do good for the team’s morale.

“The matches aren’t taken seriously as they teams are not playing their full strength but we won a good match against Bangladesh with the help of brilliant finishing by Fahim Ashraf and Hasan Ali,” he added.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2017