Cricket World Cup: Pakistan can deliver success - Waqar Younis

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Pakistan celebrate win over South AfricaImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Pakistan have now won three matches in a row at the Cricket World Cup

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis says his side's belief is growing following the 29-run World Cup win over South Africa.

Pakistan were beaten in their opening two matches, but have now won three in succession to move to the verge of the quarter-finals.

"I'm sure that belief is coming into our dressing room that we can deliver," said Waqar.

"I'm not going to think too far ahead, but we are going in the right direction."

Pakistan's improvement mirrors that of the team who lifted the 1992 World Cup, the last time the tournament was held in Australia and New Zealand.

Imran Khan's side won only one of their first five games, but went on to beat England in the final.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Imran Khan was captain of the Pakistan side who beat England by 22 runs in the 1992 World Cup final

"I hope it turns out to be the same, but we have to really work hard," said Waqar, who was not part of the 1992 squad.

"After the first two games the entire team felt it was time they came to the party. It was the start of the World Cup.

"Teams that are playing aggressively are being successful. That's what we did in this game and I hope we carry on."

South Africa, who missed out on the chance to seal their place the last eight, have lost both games when they have batted second.

From 67-1, they slipped to 77-5, but were taken close by AB de Villiers' counter-attacking 77.

AB de Villiers sets records in defeat

The South Africa captain is now the leading run-scorer at the 2015 World Cup with 318 runs from five innings.

He reached 1,000 World Cup runs in 20 innings, equalling Sachin Tendulkar as the quickest to this mark.

De Villiers' fifth six of the match was his 32nd in World Cups, passing Ricky Ponting's 31 for the most in tournament history.

"Before the game, I didn't feel like we had enough energy and that showed with the bat," said De Villiers. "We were not prepared to fight it out and that is very disappointing.

"It's not a huge concern, because it's difficult in a World Cup to have high intensity for nine games in a row.

"Even though I hate losing, maybe this is a game where it's OK to get it wrong. We'll have an honest chat about the tournament, then move forward."

Listen to highlights from Test Match Special's and Radio 5 live's 2015 World Cup coverage.

Pool B

Team

Played

Won

Lost

N/R

R/R

Points

Q

India

4

4

0

0

+2.25

8

2

South Africa

5

3

2

0

+1.46

6

3

Pakistan

5

3

2

0

-0.19

6

4

Ireland

4

3

1

0

-0.82

6

5

West Indies

5

2

3

0

-0.51

4

6

Zimbabwe

5

1

4

0

-0.60

2

7

UAE

4

0

4

0

-1.69

0

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