There is still a bit of hurt in Pakistan after losing their opening Group A match to arch-rivals India, but a possible chance to avenge that defeat will surely be one of the motivations for the two-time champions as they take on Sri Lanka in a quarter-final match of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
If Pakistan manage to win at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium today, and if India get past England in Dubai, the two will be involved in a semifinal face-off on Monday.
The Sri Lankans have been a revelation so far, having won all their three group matches, including athriller against England, but Pakistan vice-captain Imam-ul Haq believes his side is improving in every department with every match and has the momentum with them after one-sided wins over Papua New Guinea and Scotland.
Imam, nephew of former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq, is the topscorer in the tournament with innings of 39 against India, 88 against PNG and 133 versus Scotland.
“If you really look at it, we were in a great position against India, and at 109 for no loss, I must say I played a very bad shot to get out, and then Sami (Islam, the skipper) got run out. It hurt because we lost a match that we should have won,” said the bespectacled Imam.
“But the good thing is that we have progressed in all departments of the game in the next two matches.
“Sri Lanka will be a tough opponent, but from this stage onwards, it can be said about every team that we face. But our confidence is high and I think we are very comfortable playing in Sharjah.”
Pakistan will surely have to rein in Sri Lanka openers Sadeera Samarawickrama (156 runs in three matches) and Hashan Dumindu (147) and will rely heavily on the magic of their leg-spinner and most successful bowler, Karamat Ali (7 wickets).
