Waqar looking for Pakistan WC boost

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis is looking for his side to win the ODI series against New Zealand on Friday, not for just ranking points, but to also give the side a boost ahead of the World Cup.

The series is currently locked at 2-2, and both teams go into the final match with some confidence, but New Zealand probably have the edge after they clinched the fourth ODI in the final over.

Waqar believes it is an important pressure game ahead of the World Cup and that the players must put their hands up for final selection for the showpiece event.

Waqar said: "We need to win the final one-dayer. This series is for us to utilise and get the clear picture who are the final 15 (players for the World Cup) and besides that win this series."

A big positive for Pakistan, from the last match, is the form of veteran batsman Younis Khan, who scored a century, and made a comeback into the ODI team for this series. 

Vice-captain Shahid Afridi is also showing good batting form, almost guiding Pakistan to victory chasing an imposing 300.

One area where the coach would like to see improvement is in the fielding department. Pakistan gifted the Kiwis quite a few runs, and Waqar was in no doubt as to where the previous match was lost.

He said:"Younis's form was very important, he has shown us his true potential. Afridi also batted well and showed fighting abilities.

"Honestly, we lost the match because of the fielding, we gave away some 20-25 runs in the field and that is a worrying sign for me.

"I am happy at the fight, the expectations we had with our batting were fulfilled and we maintained a nine plus average, unfortunately we couldn't finish that but the fight pleased me."