The 36-year-old goes into the Asia Cup encounter having scored just 62 runs in five games (including three qualifiers) in Bangladesh with both sides still searching for their first victory in the main competition.
But Anwar remains as focused as ever, saying he can draw inspiration from his half-century (62) against Pakistan at last year’s World Cup in New Zealand. “Everyone is asking me whether I can score another half-century against Pakistan but I’ll try my best,” said Anwar, who scored 311 runs in that tournament Down Under.
“I’ve been working hard in the nets so hopefully I can show my potential in the Pakistan game. The last couple of games I’ve got out early and it’s been frustrating at times. But having scored a big total against Pakistan last time, I know I can do it. Hopefully I can repeat it tomorrow but it’s not going to be easy.”
He added: “The last two games especially, I’ve not been playing well but I think the conditions here in Bangladesh help the bowlers because in the previous games a lot of wickets have fallen. Myself and the team need to analyse the wicket first and then play our shots accordingly.”
His team-mates will have to overcome a fearsome bowling unit with Mohammad Amir leading the attack for Pakistan.
But Anwar isn’t afraid. “We know they have quality bowlers and we saw that when they played against India,” he said. “They have bowlers who can do serious damage but we just need to start well, keep wickets in hand and then in the last five overs, push for a good total.”
He added: “I have full confidence in our bowlers and if we can restrict them to a total between 130 and 135, then it gives us a chance. However, it all depends on how we bat on the day.”
