ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s legendary batsman Zaheer Abbas was thrilled over Younis Khan’s performance in the first Test match against Australia and said the former captain deserved a definite spot in next year’s World Cup squad to prove his mark.

Younis registered his record-equalling 25th Test century on the first day of the first Test in Dubai. The feat took him level with Inzamam-ul-Haq’s national record of centuries and also made the 36-year-old the first Pakistani to score hundreds against all Test-playing nations.

He pointed out that Younis was dropped during the ODI series against Australia and Pakistan went on to lose the series by 3-0.

Zaheer said whenever the team needed [Younis] in good or bad times he has gone out there and played positive cricket. “I definitely see Younis playing in the 2015 World Cup as we have seen our team’s performance in the ODI series without him,” he said.

The legendary batsman said it was also a good sign that skipper Misbah-ul-Haq had gained his form in the Test match, scoring 69 runs.

“It had been very hard for Misbah to sit in the dressing room while his team was playing the 3rd ODI,” he said.

Zaheer said with Misbah and Younis both in form, the team could become a formidable one in the ODIs.

“I hope they are in top forms in next year’s World Cup as they can take the green-shirts to victory,” he said.

Talking about the return of off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, he said the absence of Ajmal was haunting Pakistan. “I hope Ajmal gets back before the 2015 World Cup,” Zaheer said adding, Ajmal has left a big gap in the team which cannot be filled by any other.