Younis demands better from Pakistan

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis wants to see his batsmen provide greater support for their bowlers in their Asia Cup clash against United Arab Emirates.

An impressive spell from Mohammad Amir (3-18) was the highlight for Pakistan against India on Saturday as they slumped to a five-wicket loss in their opening game.

But they were never truly in it after being bowled out for 83, with their rivals making 85-5 from 15.3 overs in response.

Mohammad Sami (2-16) was also impressive, but Younis is eager for an improvement in batting for Pakistan to be able to capitalise on their strong pace attack.

“We’re making a comeback,” he said.

“We’ve got some really fine fast bowlers and they’ve shown it that they can get any team out at any time so we’re hopeful the next few games we’re going to get some runs on the board and try and utilise that.”

Amir’s incredible opening spell saw India reduced to 8-3 before Virat Kohli (49) led their recovery.

The returning 23-year-old was praised for his performances and Younis said the left-armer was only getting better.

“He’s definitely world class as Virat Kohli also said it just now. He’s coming back and he’s getting stronger and stronger,” he said.

“We saw in New Zealand he bowled superbly and even today he’s getting better and better. He’s going to be an asset for Pakistan in the next few years.”

Despite only Sarfraz Ahmed (25) and Khurram Manzoor (10) managing double figures with the bat, Pakistan should be too good for UAE.

UAE have lost their opening two games of the Asia Cup, going down to Sri Lanka by 14 runs and to Bangladesh by 51.

In the second outing, UAE managed just 82 in response to Bangladesh’s 133-8.