KARACHI, Nov 6: Ace Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram Tuesday said captain Waqar Younis and coach Mudassar Nazar’s backing brought the best out of him in the Sharjah tri-series.

“Captain and coach told me to go out and play cricket in a relaxed manner and that helped me produce my best,” Wasim told SADA.

“When the team was going to Sharjah Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia encouraged me a lot and all the backing by these people put me in the right kind of shape,” he said.

Wasim was decalred the best bowler of the Sharjah tri-series as he proved effective and economical for Pakistan, proving key to Pakistan’s success in the tournament.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the final to lift the Cup and cash prize of US$120,000. “I enjoyed the Sharjah tournament very much and am feeling a very rejuvenated bowler.”

Wasim said Pakistan’s triumph was due to a tremendous team spirit. Akram said if he is able to keep the rhythm he can go on to play the next World Cup in South Africa in 2003.

“Yeah, that’s the key thing and if I keep this tempo I think I would be able to play the 2003 World Cup.” Akram took his tally of wickets to 446, highest in limited overs cricket to add to his 416 in Tests.

“All will depend on form and fitness, I will play the 2003 Cup only if I am fit and able to deliver the goods like I did in Sharjah,” Wasim, a former Pakistan captain, said.

“Waqar and Mudassar invoked a fighting spirit in the team and the spirit showed by this team was unmatched,” he said.