Run rate forecasts look grim for Pakistan

Skipper Waqar Younis has conceded Pakistan have failed to perform in all departments at the World Cup.

"The batsmen have struggled and the bowlers have also been expensive," Waqar said on the eve of Pakistan's final Group A match against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

"The defeat to India (on Saturday at Centurion) has come as a huge disappointment. Unfortunately we have just not performed to our potential. We have not got the required wickets in the middle overs."

Before the tournament start, the 1992 winners and 1999 finalists were ranked as the side most likely to challenge world champions Australia, along with South Africa.

But they need to beat Zimbabwe on Tuesday by a huge margin to qualify for the second round.

"We have still not lost hope of getting into the Super Sixes through the back-door," Waqar said. "But yes, it will require a big effort."

A Pakistan win would give them 12 points, alongside England and Zimbabwe, with each team boasting one victory in their head-to-head matches. The third Group A qualifier would then be decided on run rate, with England currently in prime position.

GRIM FORECAST

The run rate forecasts look grim for Pakistan. If Zimbabwe batted first and scored 200 runs, for example, Waqar's side would have to reach the total in 13.2 overs to overtake England.

If Pakistan batted first and made 250, they would then need to dismiss their opponents for 62 or less.

Waqar said opener Saeed Anwar had batted "as well I have seen him do in a long time" against India in scoring a century while "Wasim has also been bowling well. But we need more telling contributions from others also".

Waqar said Pakistan were considering giving 21-year-old fast bowler Mohammad Sami his World Cup debut in Bulawayo. "He has been bowling well in the nets and his enthusiasm is very good," he said.

Sami has played 18 one-dayers and taken 25 wickets, with his best figures of four for 41 against Zimbabwe at Harare in November.

Strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar conceded 72 runs in 10 overs against India on Saturday while Waqar went for 71 in 8.4 overs. Wasim, the team's most successful bowler with 12 World Cup wickets, went wicketless in conceding 48 off 10 overs.

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has criticised the team selectors for not giving Sami a chance earlier in the tournament.