Karachi, Dec 29 : Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who recently made a return to Pakistan squad against South Africa after almost two years' gap, said he has not dropped his pace and is looking to play a match-winner's role for Pakistan in the World Cup February-April.
Shoaib, who was once discarded as a spent force, said he can still bowl at 150 kmph.
Shoaib said Wednesday he has modified his run-up and is feeling comfortable even after bowling longer spells.
"I have shortened my run-up but am still bowling at almost 150 kmph. It would have been great for my career had I modified my run-up 10 years ago," said the 35-year-old from Rawalpindi.
"But I am still bowling well and am confident of playing a match-winner's role in the World Cup and will try to make it a memorable event for Pakistan," said Shoaib, who took three wickets in three overs in the Twenty20 match against New Zealand at Auckland Sunday.
Akhtar said that he wants to make a difference for Pakistan, currently experiencing a cricketing turmoil because of spot-fixing allegations against some of the country's top players.
"I'm always an optimist when it comes to my fitness, I just want to make a difference and lead this team to some good results," said Akhtar, who is currently in New Zealand with the Pakistan team.
"We are going to win matches and show respect and show the world we are honourable people," he said.(IANS)
Similar
- Afridi should not criticise players in public: Moin Khan
- NZ mobile company registers Intikhab Alam as ‘Indian’ cricket team manager!
- Pak to play more ‘home’ series at neutral venues ‘until security situation is clear’: Subhan
- PCB awaits IPL response on players' participation
- Yousuf to play league cricket in Bangladesh
US News
- Sun Pharma Gets FDA Nod To Sell Nasal Spray Astelin In US Market
- Bharti Airtel Gets Hold Of 49% Stake In Qualcomm India broadband
- Facebook IPO issue must be reviewed, says U.S. financial regulators
- Brooklyn to investigate witness intimidation in abuse cases
- Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy's & Aurobindo Get USFDA Authorization To Market Generic Cardiac Drug
Rome, May 28 : The captain of the Italian football club Lazio has been arrested amid investigations in connection to match-fixing scandal. 
London, May 28 : Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany has expressed his hope of making an impact at the Saturday's England v/s Belgium friendly, after not being slotted in for the Euro 2012 squad. 
London, May 28 : Former England cricketer Adam Hollioake has revealed that his friends and family were surprised when he chose the gentleman's game over rugby and boxing as his profession. 
Islamabad, May 28 : Pakistan cricketer Wajahatullah Wasti has said the Twenty20 format has caused a lot of damage to the techniques of opening batsmen. 
Sydney, May 18 : Australian professional motorcycle racer, two-time MotoGP world champion, Casey Stoner, announced that he will retire from Grand Prix racing at the 
Pune, April 30 - Veer Patel of Baroda steered his Honda CRF 250 with much panache to clinch the title in the showpiece Foreign Open class ahead of defending champion Aravind KP in the 2012 National Supercross championship here.