My best is yet to come, says Akhtar by CricketArchive staff reporter

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Player:

Shoaib Akhtar

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DateLine: 4th September 2006

 

Shoaib Akhtar believes he has still to find his best form in the run-up to next year's World Cup after starring once more against England.

 

Shoaib continued his impressive comeback to international cricket after being out for six months with an ankle injury by taking four for 28 as Pakistan beat England by seven wickets in the second one-dayer at Lord's.

 

England, as well as being 1-0 down in the five-match series, were left contemplating the worrying prospect that Akhtar was, in his own estimation, still only "80 percent fit".

 

"I was just trying to bowl in the right areas, not go for wickets so much as dot balls," explained Akhtar after being named man-of-the-match in a clash where Pakistan dismissed England for 166 in a contest reduced to 40 overs per side before finishing on 169 for three with 20 balls to spare.

 

"I'm still only at 80 percent of my fitness so I've been a lucky guy to get a few wickets. Other people might say I'm match fit but my goals are really high."