Younis feels the heat ahead of decider
Posted on Nov 08, 2009 at 20:16 | Updated Nov 08, 2009 at 21:55
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Abu Dhabi: Pakistan captain Younis Khan finds himself under pressure as his team heads into the series-deciding third and final one-day against New Zealand here on Monday.
Pakistan, who have not won a one-day series since beating the West Indies here last year, achieved a thumping 138-run win in the first match on Tuesday before New Zealand hit back with a 64-run win in the second on Friday.
Moreover, Younis is having a lean patch with the bat, scoring nought and 19 in the two matches -- but coach Intikhab Alam backed his captain to come good when it matters.
"It can happen to any player," said Alam of Younis's wretched form which saw him scoring only two half-centuries in the last 18 matches.
"I am sure that he can come good anytime, maybe in this crucial, must-win game."
The 31-year-old replaced Shoaib Malik as captain after Pakistan lost a one-day series against Sri Lanka at home in Januray last year.
Under Younis, Pakistan lost one-day series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates and against Sri Lanka (on tour) earlier this year.
Although Pakistan won the World Twenty20 in England in June and then reached the semi-final of the Champions Trophy, Younis had to offer his resignation over unproven match-fixing allegations last month and questions on his form.
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