Pakistan opening batsman Saeed Anwar is seen throughout his monumental knock of 194 in opposition to India in Chennai on May 21, 1997.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu ArchivesN
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq will channel the spirit of record-setting compatriot Saeed Anwar and his nation’s profitable relationship with Chennai on October 23 in an effort to revive the group’s World Cup marketing campaign.
Pakistan deal with Afghanistan on the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium the place in 1997, flamboyant left-handed opener Anwar hit a monumental 194 in opposition to India.
At the time it was the best particular person ODI rating whereas Anwar’s heroics additionally gave Pakistan a 35-run win over their arch-rivals.
Pakistan maintained their two-game undefeated run on the stadium with a six-wicket win over India in 2012.
“We have a great record at this venue, so I am sure that will be a motivation,” mentioned Haq, who was solely two when Anwar blitzed the India group which featured the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in 1997.
“Although I don’t have any memory of Saeed Anwar’s record, that too will be a motivation.”
Pakistan began the World Cup with wins over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka however the 1992 champions then suffered back-to-back losses to India and Australia.
They have slipped to fifth within the 10-nation desk with the highest 4 going by way of to the semi-finals.
“We have to admit we did not play well in those games,” mentioned Haq on Sunday.
“We were not up to the mark, did not get the execution right and defeat always lowers morale.”
Haq scored 36 in opposition to India in Ahmedabad however Pakistan collapsed from 155-2 to 191 all out, dropping by seven wickets.
The 27-year-old then scored 70 in opposition to Australia in a frightening chase of a 368-run goal in Bengaluru the place Pakistan slipped to a 62-run defeat.
“We dropped crucial catches and that hurt,” mentioned Haq.
David Warner was on 10 when he was dropped by Usama Mir off Shaheen Shah Afridi — he went on to make 163 and share a document Australian World Cup opening stand of 259 with Mitchell Marsh who compiled 121.
“You will see a new thing tomorrow. We want to go to Kolkata with four wins in six games,” mentioned Haq, whose group can even face South Africa in Chennai on Friday.
Haq additionally performed down the risk posed by Afghanistan’s spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi at a venue famend as a gradual bowlers paradise.
“We know this ground favours spinners and they have quality spin bowlers but we have beaten them 3-0 recently in a one-day series in Sri Lanka under the same conditions,” mentioned Haq.
“We all know Afghanistan is a good team and in these conditions they will be tough but we are ready for that and will execute our plans.”
