Pakistan want to win T20 title for Woolmer

Pakistan captain Younus Khan has said his side would love to win the World Twenty20 as a tribute to their former coach Bob Woolmer.

The ex-England batsman died during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, hours after Pakistan's shock loss to Ireland.

However, a 39-run victory over the same opponents at the Oval on Monday saw Pakistan into the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 where they will play South Africa at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

Woolmer, one of the most innovative coaches of his generation who guided English county side Warwickshire to several trophies before enjoying a successful spell with South Africa, was in charge of Pakistan for more than two years and many members of the current side played under him.

"He was an inspiring person for us," said Younus, who hopes to lead Pakistan to victory in Sunday's climax at Lord's after seeing them lose the inaugural 2007 World Twenty20 final to arch-rivals India in Johannesburg.

"He was like a father figure for me and for the whole team. We all still miss him and if we win the World Cup I will dedicate that final game to him."

LONDON, AFP