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Pakistan have found a surprise match-winner in opener Mohammad Hafeez, who played a crucial role in his team’s two successive victories in the World Cup warm-up matches.

Hafeez followed his 61 in the opening practice game against Canada with an attractive 49 in his team’s seven-wicket victory over South Africa, promising to solve Pakistan’s problems of finding an effective opener.

He put his team on the right track against Graeme Smith’s South Africans here on Friday as he shared a 68-run stand for the second wicket with Younis Khan, who top-scored with a stylish 79.

Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq was all praise for Hafeez, saying it served the team better whenever a top-order batsman scored at a brisk pace.

“Hafeez is in form and he is the key member of the team. He is now looking forward to the main competition. It always helps when a top-order batsman scores briskly,” said Inzamam.

Inzamam said the team’s confidence was sky-high after two consecutive wins. “There is a lot of confidence in the team and they are looking forward to the main tournament after morale-boosting performances,” he said.

“Yes, people don’t have high expectations from Pakistan, so there is less pressure. But at the same time, the team have to come out and perform to the best of their ability,” he added.

Source:The News