Sunday, September 27, 2009

Pakistan Skipper Younus Khan Plays Through Pain For Country In A Big Match Against India


Pakistan captain Younus Khan has said he was determined to play through pain in a big match against India in the Champions Trophy here on Saturday.

Younus returned to lead the side despite not having recovered completely from a finger injury suffered during a warm-up match. He also missed his team's opening match against the West Indies.

"I felt the pain in my fingers when I fielded, but when you play for your country such things don't really matter. Whether you have a broken skull or a broken hand it really doesn't matter," he said after the match.

Pakistan strengthened their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals with a 54-run victory over India in the four-team Group A, having already beaten the West Indies in their first match.

They will now meet defending champions Australia in the final game here on Wednesday.

"If I had not played and we lost I would have felt bad. But if I played and we lost then at least I would be able to tell my grandchildren that I played in this big game," said Younus.

"The big thing is that we managed to beat India and did well in all departments of the game."

Younus said his team were keen to win the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan last year before being shifted to South Africa due to security concerns.

"It was our turn to host the Champions Trophy, so we want to do well. Our country needs big wins like this. I am sure all of Pakistan will be very happy. The timing is very good," said Younus.

"The other thing is that we have never reached the final of this tournament. It is a good chance. Our country needs a few more trophies, like the Champions Trophy."

Younus, who led his team to the Twenty20 World Cup triumph in England this year, was all praise for man-of-the-match Shoaib Malik who smashed a solid 128 to set up his team's victory.

"Malik's century was very good and I am sure everybody will be talking about his century," said Younus.

Pakistan restricted India to 248 after posting 302-9 in the day-night match on Saturday.

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