Coach Khawaja Junaid said his side has the potential to beat any team. —AFP

AUCKLAND: Pakistan team coach  Khawaja Junaid said on the eve of their opening match against England in the Champions Trophy on Saturday that his team should not be under-estimated.

“We will start the event as underdogs knowing our international number nine ranking but it does not mean that other teams should write us off,” he said.

“We are here to prove that we are in the process of making a good combination of the team for the London Olympics and we take our participation as part of our preparations for the mega event.”

The coach said his side had the potential to beat any team, asserting the players were in high spirit after their recent success in a tri-nation tournament in Australia where they edged out Australia in the final.

“We have set our goals in the tournament and I don’t want to make tall claims regarding the showing of the team as we are in good practice and are fully prepared to take on a tough challenge,” said the former Olympian.

“I have pinned great hopes on young players who were outstanding during the recent tour of Australia and I urge them to perform better this time,” he concluded.—APP