Both Sohail, Lara expect good contest (29 October 1998)

29 October 1998

Both Sohail, Lara expect good contest

by Zahid Newaz in Dhaka

Both Pakistani skipper Aamir Sohail and West Indies Captain Brian Lara expect a good contest match when they Thursday engage in a flood-lit encounter for a berth to the semi-final of Wills International Cup.

"We enjoy playing against West Indies. They are a very competitive side. I believe it will be a good contest tomorrow," said Pakistani skipper Aamer Sohail a day ahead of the fourth and last quarter final of the tourney, dubbed as "mini world cup".

Sohail admitted that Pakistan lost most of the one-day matches against West Indies, but said this is a knock-out tournament and "we have come here to win the trophy."

"Everybody knows the power of Pakistan cricket and the ability of the team. We played many tournaments and showed our capabilities," he said with optimism to play the semi-final against India on October 31.

Asked if he feels any pressure from their recent defeat against Australia, Sohail said: "We'll play a very positive cricket... forget about the defeat in the test series, because one-day is a different game."

About the absence of batting stars Saeed Anwar and Inzamam Ul Haq, he said: "It'll be a good opportunity for our youngsters to show their best."

Reminded of their bad luck in the past two tournaments in Dhaka, the Pakistani captain said: "Yes, we lost the 1988 Asia Cup and this year's Independence Cup. But we've forgotten those and now want to prove ourselves."

On the pitch condition, the stylist left-handed batsman said : "I believe, the pitch of the Dhaka Stadium will be suitable for batting as there is no possibility to swing or spin the ball."

About the venue, Sohail termed the ground of the newly-built Dhaka Stadium, where they had a practice session on Tuesday night, as excellent. "It's different from the last year when we played in the Independence Cup," he said.

Legendary former cricketer Javed Miandad, now in his new role as Pakistan coach, said he was satisfied with the present team and believed they would play "very positively."

Replying to a question if the absence of Saeed Anwar and Inzamam Ul Haq will weaken the Pakistan batting, he said only time will say what will happen. "I don't think about who's playing or not. I am happy with this side."

About their opponent in Thursday's do-or-die quarter final, Caribbean captain Brian Lara again said Pakistan is a team that can click any time and they have lots of ability to win.

"It'll be a tough game. But we are confident. We've some new players in this squad but we believe, it's our best possible combination... they are confident to show their ability," he said.

Lara also mentioned all-rounder Carl Hooper as their key player and expect that he would give his best in the sudden death tournament.

Source :: CricInfo365

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