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Can't afford any more slip-ups: Waqar

February 23, 2003 12:02 IST
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Pakistan captain Waqar Younis thinks his side must win their three remaining World Cup Group A matches to qualify for the Super Sixes after their devastating defeat by England on Saturday.

The 112-run loss to Nasser Hussain's side has left Pakistan facing a fight to stay in the tournament, and with Waqar having to lift his side to face arch-rivals India next weekend.

"If we win all our matches we can go through but we have got to think about things over the next few days," Waqar said. "It was a chaseable total but their bowlers bowled really well, especially (James) Anderson.

"The ball started swinging more than normal here. We played here 12 months ago and it didn't do anything but the ball swung amazingly during our innings.

"Losing the toss may have given an edge to the England side but we defended well and to concede less than 250 was a good effort by the bowlers but once again the batters failed to capitalise."

After restricting England to 246 Pakistan were favourites to win the crucial showdown, but James Anderson's spell of four for 29 changed the course of the match.

Inzamam-ul-Haq's first ball dismissal has left Pakistan with a tough decision to make over his future in the side.

Inzamam has been in wretched form since arriving in South Africa and with their World Cup hopes fading Pakistan cannot afford to be patient.

"He (Inzamam) is one of our best players but is going through a difficult time," said Waqar. "We only have 15 to choose from so we can't make too many changes."

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Source: REUTERS
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