Umar Gul targets on Indian top order

Umar Gul is one of the vital components of Pakistan's pace attack. He is the leading wicket-takes among the Pakistan having 14 wickets behind his captain Shahid Afridi's 21 so far. Now he will be tested in Mohali clash with India on Wednesday when Gul will bowl against the strongest contingent of the tournament. Umar Gul is focusing on the top order of Indian batting line, he said, "The first three wickets in the top-order are very vital for us. They are depending on the top three and I am targeting on them".

Gul expressed his feelings regarding the strength of Indian batting and told, "Our bowling attack is very handy. Skipper Afridi is the leading wicket-taker of the competition. I am also satisfied with my performance and form. We have a little advantage with our bowling over them but I am also pleased with the way the batting done by our openers in the quarter-final".

Our coach Waqar Younis and assistant coach Aaqib Javed, both are pacers having emerging skills and found good knocks at World Cups, on the tour of New Zealand, Waqar had instructed to Gul to open the bowling with the new ball in the World Cup and Gul was not able to deliver with the new ball for the last less than two years and he also lost his form with the new ball, however Waqar and Aaqib assisted Gul to regain his lost form, rhythm, confidence and success.

Gul was questioned whether he agreed with what MS Dhoni had said about the match actually being bigger than a final. Gul said, "I don't think so Dhoni was talking for himself, he was talking about the expectations of the Indian spectators. As a player, no one would say a semi-final is superior to the final, but every cricketer feels the pressure of their nation. We also feel the same heaviness because our people also expect from us that we must defeat India in each match".

The match was vital for both sides and Gul moved beyond the cricket, "It brings both countries closer and it is very good not only for the players but also for the both nations. People from both lands want us to play each other. Both fans should enjoy cricket. I hope it will be a good contest and both countries play well".