Published: Mar 12, 2015, 11:50 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 14, 2015, 11:21 AM (IST)
Adelaide: Senior Pakistan batsman Younis Khan hopes his side will defeat Ireland in Sunday’s must-win ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 clash as a tribute to their late former coach Bob Woolmer. Woolmer, aged 58, was found dead in his hotel room a day after Pakistan were knocked out of the 2007 World Cup by Ireland in Jamaica. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
After lengthy investigations that included the possibility of murder or suicide, Jamaican police eventually announced that Woolmer had died of natural causes. The same two teams meet again, this time two days ahead of St Patrick’s Day, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals and the losers’ fate hanging by a thread. Top 10 bowlers in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Younis, 37, is the only member of that 2007 squad still involved in this World Cup, as are three Irishmen — skipper William Porterfield and the O’Brien brothers, Niall and Kevin. Top 10 fielders in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Eoin Morgan, who played for Ireland in that match, is now the current England captain. “This is surely a very emotional game for me and all of us,” Younis said, remembering the man who coached Pakistan from 2004 till his death. “I remember Bob a lot, he contributed so much to Pakistan cricket. Hope we can win this game and some more in the World Cup. There would be nothing better to dedicate to Bob’s memory.” Top 10 wicketkeepers in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Younis said he expected a close game against the fast-improving Ireland team that had beaten the West Indies earlier in the tournament. “It is not about taking revenge, it is about us winning the game to qualify,” he said. “We have to be at our best on Sunday.” ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
