Younis Khan hopes for Pakistan revival

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Younis Khan hopes for Pakistan revival

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Experienced batsman Younis Khan hopes Pakistan do not panic and try their best to bounce back.

14 February,2012 05:30 pm

He said this in the context of Pakistan losing to resurgent England in the second day-night international on Wednesday.England on Monday took the first of four one-day matches by a convincing 130-run margin after Pakistan were bowled out for just 130, with paceman Steven Finn taking a career-best 4-34.Skipper Alastair Cook had hit his highest one-day score of 137 to guide England to a challenging 260-7, a target Younis said Pakistan should have achieved.I hope there is no panic, said Younis. We should not panic because we have not batted badly in the last four five matches, so we need to try our best and put Mondays performance behind us.Pakistan never recovered after Finn claimed their top four batsmen in just 29 balls and Younis believes that lack of partnerships let the team down.England had a very good partnership between Cook and (Ravi) Bopara and that helped them, he said of the 131-run third wicket stand. It wasnt a difficult chase but we failed to put up a reasonable stand.Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who took 24 wickets in the preceding 3-0 Test series win, grabbed a career-best 5-43 but England still managed a challenging total.We couldnt cash on the two wickets by (Shahid) Afridi but still we should have got that total. England bowled the first 10 overs well, they outclassed us and Finn was very impressive, said Younis, who made 15.For Pakistan, Afridi top-scored with 38 as they were bowled out in 35 overs.Younis praised Cooks knock.When the captain of the team plays like this the whole team is inspired and Cooks knock lifted England so we have to match them in their body language and performance, said Younis.For his part, Cook said he hoped his side keeps their feet on the ground after securing the much-needed win.Its only one game, so lets not get carried away too much. It was a really good performance and we will enjoy the feeling and make sure we come back as a side on Wednesday, he said.Englands one-day captain was full of praise for Bopara and Finn.I thought the way Ravi played and handled the pressure when we lost those two quick wickets was a real key moment because if wed lost another couple of wickets it would have been here we go again.Finn was outstanding. At 40 for four after 10 overs its never over - with Afridi coming in at eight - but that was outstanding bowling and we played close to our potential which was pleasing, said Cook.The remaining two matches will be played in Dubai on February 18 and 21. Both teams will also play three Twenty20 internationals.--AFP