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KARACHI: Pakistan's new coach Dav Whatmore said Wednesday he was ready for next week's four-nation Asia Cup and is confident that his team will overcome their recent one-day slump.
The 57-year-old former Australian batsman, who coached Sri Lanka to a World Cup title in 1996, took charge of Pakistan last week on a two-year contract with his first assignment in Dhaka.
Defending champions India join Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the biennial Asia Cup which runs from March 11-22.
Whatmore said he is looking forward to the Asia Cup, at which Pakistan will meet arch-rivals India on March 18.
“I know the Asia Cup is an important event with top class teams, even Bangladesh can be a tough opponent as they are playing on their home grounds, so it is one of the many tests that we have and we are looking forward to it,” Whatmore told reporters.
The Pakistan team fly to Dhaka late Wednesday and play their opening match against the hosts Sunday.
“We know there is an extra interest attached to the India game and it's good for the teams, for cricket and for the players but we are going to treat that match as any other game,” said Whatmore.
The March 18 match in Dhaka will be the first between the two countries since the high-voltage World Cup 2011 semi-final clash in Marach at Mohali, which India won before taking the title.
Whatmore hoped Pakistan has learnt from its mistakes after their 4-0 and 2-1 defeats in the one-day and Twenty20 matches against England in the United Arab Emirates last month.
“That was little bit not in the script but this team wants to make amends to what happened in the one-day after their brilliant performance in the Test series,” said Whatmore of the Tests in which Pakistan whitewashed England 3-0.
“Every player wants to look forward and make amends in the Asia Cup.
“These Pakistan players are wonderful and talented and welcomed me and its pleasure to be with them and we will work together to do well.”
