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Former Pakistan skipper and legendary all-rounder Imran Khan issued a clear warning to his team that find a suitable opening pair or get ready to make an early exit from next year’s World Cup in the West Indies.

“Pakistan should find a suitable opening pair before the 2007 World Cup otherwise it will not be easy for the team to advance into the next stage,” the 1992 World Cup-winning captain told reporters in Sukkur on Saturday.

The Pakistani selectors have been struggling to find a proper opening pair and have tested various combinations in the past two years without earning desired results.

Imran said Pakistan are a balanced side, as it has middle-order batting strength, comprising Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq and have the best bowling attack in the world having fast and furious Shoaib Akhtar, upcoming Mohammad Asif, promising Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Abdul Razzaq in the side saying the only threat to Pakistan is a formidable opening pair which they have not been able to set in the last couple of years.

“As Pakistan are a balanced side and it could be the only issue of openers which could lead the side in the World Cup failure,” Imran warned, adding, “We only need a good start which forms the wining base.”

He advised Pakistan should start their World Cup preparation soon and should consider the openers’ issue seriously.

Source:The News