'Defeat against England changed us'

Pakistan pacer Umar Gul has admitted that the players initially lacked motivation in the Twenty20 World Cup but the defeat against England in the opening group stage match changed all that.

"We had a team meeting in which captain Younis Khan reminded us that we had made a promise we would win this World Cup for our people. We all talked about how important it would be for the country if we could achieve the feat," Gul recalled after reaching home at Nawakheli in Pakistan's troubled North West Frontier Province on Tuesday.

"I think after the loss to England we all realised that we must win this one for our countrymen and to show the world that Pakistanis are fighters and great survivors," he said.

The 25-year-old Gul, who became the first bowler to take five wickets in a Twenty20 International, was given a hero's welcome on returning home with local tribesmen firing in the air and beating drums outside his newly constructed house.

"I am happy that I could play a big role in my country winning the World Cup and hopefully I can continue my good form in coming matches as well," Gul said.

"All the players are satisfied knowing they have brought so much joy to the people who are going through tough times."

The pacer said coach Intikhab Alam and assistant coach Aaqib Javed had also talked about what the 1992 World Cup win had done for Pakistan cricket as they were part of that team.

Gul said he owed his success to good counsel from his captain, the bowling coach and tips from former greats Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. 

"Having someone as experienced as Abdul Razzaq back in the team also helped. Even after all this talk about ball tampering after the New Zealand match Younis told us to remain focused and concentrate on winning matches," he said.

He said he had to work hard to learn the art of reverse swing. 

"I love the challenge of playing Twenty20 cricket which is a batsman-oriented game. It is a challenge bowling fast and attacking batsmen who are out to murder you. I am thankful to Allah that he has given me so much success in this form of the game," Gul said.