Morne Morkel outlines World XI’s mission to win the series

The World XI might be in Pakistan for a cause greater than the game but winning the series is the ultimate goal, explained their premier fast bowler Morne Morkel. After a dismal first game, where they succumbed to a 20-run loss, the du Plessis-led side won the second game when Thisara Perera smashed the penultimate ball of the game for a six.

World XI keen to win the series

World XI is the second team in 8 years to visit the shores of Pakistan after the short limited overs series played by Zimbabwe in 2015. Now, they are on the verge of becoming the first team since 2009 to win a series in the country. Former players, the crowds, and the authorities have thanked the entire visiting squad for being brave and helping Pakistan’s cricket. But that doesn’t stop them from thinking of winning the series as all are accomplished cricketers who take pride in their performances.

“Yes it is for a good cause, and it’s great to be back in Pakistan, but the squad here, we have one mission and that is to win,” World XI and Proteas fast bowler Morne Morkel said.

“We have pride in our performances. It’s 1-1 all. It’s what Pakistan, the country asked for, so hopefully, we can have that atmosphere on Friday.”

The Proteas fast bowler has had a decent outing in the two games so far. In the first game, Morkel’s first in Pakistan, he returned with 1/32 off four overs in a game where Pakistan scored almost at 10 runs an over. In the second game, the right-arm bowler did not pick a wicket but did a great job by keeping the scoring rate down, finishing with 0/20 off his quota of four overs which included 0/7 off three overs in his first spell with the new ball during the fielding restrictions.

Morkel will hold the key again for the World XI in Friday’s series-deciding game which will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.