Waqar Younis: “They played fearless cricket and weren’t really worried about losing the match, which in turn gave them the freedom to pay their natural game”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Legendary Pakistan pace bowler Waqar Younis believes that the national team beat South Africa in their World Cup clash on Sunday since they “played fearless cricket”.

Pakistan batsman Haris Sohail was named Man of the Match for his 59-ball 89, which included nine boundaries and three sixes.

The men in green’s victory over the Proteas kept their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup semi-finals alive, while South Africa were eliminated from the tournament.

“It was all about the positive intent for Pakistan against South Africa,” Waqar wrote in his column for the International Cricket Council as quoted by Reuters.

“They played fearless cricket and weren’t really worried about losing the match, which in turn gave them the freedom to pay their natural game. Coming after the disappointment of Old Trafford, Pakistan badly needed such a win.

“They have been criticised a lot and the last week has been hard on them, so coming out of that and producing such a performance was particularly pleasing… I’d really like to see them play the same way in the coming matches.”

Pakistan’s next World Cup match will be against New Zealand at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

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