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 Sunday, 5 January, 2003, 11:06 GMT
Waqar takes positive view
Waqar Younis consoles teammate Saqlain Mushtaq
Pakistan were on the back foot from the opening day
Pakistan captain Waqar Younis promised an improved performance from his team in the World Cup despite being comprehensively outplayed by South Africa.

They were beaten by an innings and 142 runs in the final Test at Cape Town to lose the series 2-0, and only managed one victory in five one-day internationals.

But Waqar insisted the tour had been a valuable learning experience.

"We've got a fair idea about the wickets here and all we've got to do is forget about this series now, gather ourselves again, and come back for the World Cup with a positive frame of mind," he said.

"It was a definitely a poor performance all round (in this match) with the bat, ball, and in the field.

"Looking at the series, we didn't really bat well at all, even in the one-dayers. We should have got respectable runs to fight for, and we didn't really get runs at all."

South African skipper Shaun Pollock was delighted by a "clinical" display from his team.

"A big score in the first innings set us up, and to bowl like we did in both innings was superb. I'm very poroud of the guys and the way they played."

Their thoughts are also focused on the World Cup, with the team seeking to lift the trophy for the first time on home soil.

And Pollock urged the Cape Town crowd to turn up in force again for the Cup opener against West Indies on 9 February.

"We really do appreciate your support.

"We are definitely looking forward to our next outing, which will be on this ground in the World Cup, and I'm sure you'll be out to support us," he said.

Opening batsman Herschelle Gibbs was named Man of the Match for his 228 on the opening day, sharing an opening stand of 368 with Graeme Smith, who contributed 151.

"It was a really good wicket and we had to make the most of it.

"The more we stayed in, the more we geed each other up, and the more we enjoyed it."

 WATCH/LISTEN
 ON THIS STORY
 Pakistan captain Waqar Younis
"We didn't really play to our potential"
All the reports from the Test match

Day four

Day three

Day two

Day one

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