Confident Imad Wasim expects Pakistan to stage a fightback

Imad Wasim, Pakistan's all-rounder, has said that the visitors are determined to prove their mettle in the 50-over format after they slipped to defeats in the first two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) of the five-match series against England. Pakistan are presently placed at a lowly ninth position in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) ODI rankings.


"With the talent we've got, I don't think it's a No. 9 team," he said on Monday (August 29). "We have to show that in big matches like tomorrow. I believe we can make a comeback. We have to work hard, trust ourselves and show our skills in front of the cameras.

"It's the first time we've ever been No. 9 in the world. However, if we stay united - which we are - we're going to show the cricketing world what we're capable of, just like we did in the Test matches. We're No.1 in them, and we're really looking forward to putting our rankings up in the one-dayers," he said.

Wasim admitted that England will be bolstered by the fact that Ben Stokes, the charismatic all-rounder, who played purely as a batsman in the initial two games, is ready to bowl again.

"He's a great cricketer, a genuine all-rounder and one of the best (in the world)," Wasim observed. "When Ben Stokes is fit to bowl, England are definitely even stronger. But if we get ourselves right, we're going to give them a tough time."

Wasim's enterprising fifty helped the tourists post a competitive total of 251 in the ODI played at Lord's, but he ended up on the losing side as England coasted to a four-wicket win. The Swansea-born cricketer admitted that Pakistan need to raise their stakes to overcome the hosts in the third ODI to be played in Cardiff.

"It's just cricket, and it can happen to any team. We're ready, up for it. Whatever is gone is gone - it's done. We have to get some runs on the board, and give our bowlers a chance," he signed off.