Wounded Windies remain dangerous, warns skipper Azhar

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, CMC – One-day captain Azhar Ali said Thursday Pakistan would not be taking success in the upcoming series for granted, despite West Indies’ easy capitulation in the preceding Twenty20 Internationals.

He told reporters his side were aware of the quality players in the Windies line-up and would not make the mistake of underestimating them, especially with the format now changing to 50-overs.

“In limited overs they are a dangerous side and have players who can win the games on their day,” Azhar said.

“We are aware of that but we need to focus on our game and keep that aggressive mode of the T20 in the ODIs as well.”

In a shock result, Pakistan crushed the reigning T20 World champions 30, with back-to-back wins in Dubai last week and another commanding victory in Abu Dhabi last Tuesday.

That success has provided the ideal platform for Pakistan in the ODI series and are hoping to extend their winning streak against West Indies of not having lost a bilateral series in 24 years.

More importantly, Pakistan are eyeing qualification for the 50-overs World Cup in 2019 where qualification will be based on international rankings.

Hosts England and the other top seven teams in the rankings will automatically qualify, with the two remaining spots set to be filled via a qualifying tournament.

West Indies are currently ranked eighth while Pakistan lie ninth, and Azhar said the hosts were aware there was all to play for in the series.

“It is a very important series considering the qualification to 2019 World Cup. Teams are contesting for it and we are very confident that we have the ability to do well in this series,” he pointed out.

“We can perform to the potential. Conditions are tough as it’s warm here and fitness will be tested. Our team’s fitness is improving but that will be tested on the ground so we will try our best to win. We have to take that confidence of the three good T20 wins.

“We also had a good win at Cardiff [in the fifth ODI against England last summer] so that was a good performance. We chased 300plus outside Asia (for the first time) and there was a good partnership with (Shoaib) Malik and Sarfraz (Ahmed).

“We bowled well in that last game so we had set good standards in the last few limited overs games, so we have to keep improving.”