United Pakistan a very dangerous side: Saleem Yousuf

KARACHI: Former Test wicketkeeper Saleem Yousuf believes that a united Pakistan  side could prove dangerous at 2011 World Cup.
“As a united team, Pakistan team is going through purple patch after taking unbeatable 3-1 lead over New Zealand,” he told APP in an interview at Karachi Gymkhana here on Thursday.
“It’s a good comeback after disastrous start in the six match one-day series,” the 51-year-old Yousuf, who featured in 32 Test matches and 86 ODI for Pakistan between 1982 to 1990, said.
“If Pakistan team maintain the same momentum, they can be good team in the World Cup in sub-continent conditions,” he said.
“Pakistan is capable of reaching beyond the quarterfinal rounds. This side is a good combination and is proving adversity brings out the best in them.”
“There are no stars in current Pakistan team. But their are several utility cricketers, who could prove good for the team,” he said.
“It was important that team remained focused and jelled during the World Cup.
“We can recall 2007 World Cup when a powerful Pakistan team’s crashed out in the preliminary rounds. We must take lessons from the past to this year’s World Cup,” he stated.
Yousuf was of the opinion that Pakistan was showing marked improvement in the field but more efforts were required from the players.
“Its nice to see Younis Khan taking three catches in the field,” he commented.
“But we got to improve in fielding department as well substantially curbing the tendency to concede too many extras. ,” Yousuf , who carried Pakistan to an exciting victory over West Indies in 1987 World Cup, said.
He expressed his delight that there were no controversies on the current New Zealand tour.
“Any controversy on off the field badly at this moment will badly affect Pakistan players,” he added.
He praised the batting show by young opener Ahmed Shehzad, who scored his maiden hundred.
“Its good sign for team ahead of World Cup for the team and the player,” he commented.
He also complimented Misbah-ul-Haq for his consistent batting display in Test matches as well in ODI series.
Yousuf advocated Shahid Afridi as captain for the World Cup stating that a change at this stage will not be good for team.
Commenting on the performance of Kamran Akmal, who is making a comeback in the team, he said the wicket-keeper was an experienced player and his presence could be good for the team.