ICC World Cup | Pakistan impressed by Saeed Anwar’s Chennai magic

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq will channel the spirit of record-setting compatriot Saeed Anwar and his nation’s successful relationship with Chennai on October 23 in an effort to revive the crew’s World Cup marketing campaign.

Pakistan sort out Afghanistan on the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium the place in 1997, flamboyant left-handed opener Anwar hit a monumental 194 in opposition to India.

On 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 now have an important report at this venue, so I’m certain that can be a motivation,” stated Haq, who was solely two when Anwar blitzed the India crew which featured the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in 1997.

“Though I don’t have any reminiscence of Saeed Anwar’s report, that too can 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’ve slipped to fifth within the 10-nation desk with the highest 4 going by means of to the semi-finals.

“We now have to confess we didn’t play properly in these video games,” stated Haq on Sunday.

“We weren’t on top of things, didn’t get the execution proper and defeat at all times 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 essential catches and that damage,” stated 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 report Australian World Cup opening stand of 259 with Mitchell Marsh who compiled 121.

“You will notice a brand new factor tomorrow. We wish to go to Kolkata with 4 wins in six video games,” stated Haq, whose crew can even face South Africa in Chennai on Friday.

Haq additionally performed down the menace 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 all know this floor favours spinners and so they have high quality spin bowlers however we’ve got crushed them 3-0 lately in a one-day collection in Sri Lanka below the identical circumstances,” stated Haq.

“Everyone knows Afghanistan is an efficient crew and in these circumstances they are going to be robust however we’re prepared for that and can execute our plans.”