MATCH REPORTS
STAT SHEET
DIARY
OTHER SPORTS
SLIDE SHOW
PEOPLE
DEAR REDIFF

India confident, Pakistan upbeat

A confident India will take on a rejuvenated Pakistan in the first of the three-match final of the Independence Cup cricket tournament at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

The 18 run victory over Pakistan on Sunday has boosted the Indian morale. Says captain Mohammed Azharuddin, "We are going to play with a positive frame of mind.'' Azhar was satisfied about his and star batsman Sachin Tendulkar's form and hoped they would continue in the same way.

''It is good that Sachin has regained his form. Sachin and Saurav will open the innings,'' he said. When one reporter quizzed him about Ganguly's failure in the games against Bangladesh and Pakistan, the skipper said, "One can't be successful continuously. I am sure he will score runs in the remaining matches.''

After a week-long spell of severe cold, unprecedented in this part of the world, the weather has improved and bright sunshine greeted Dhaka on Tuesday morning. Azhar felt the toss would not be a vital factor on Wednesday because the weather had improved. But the captain felt the side batting first and scoring 250 plus in 50 overs would have a clear advantage.

For a favourable result, India will depend on its batting; its bowling has been rather inadequate so far. With the improvement in the weather, the three fast bowlers -- Javagal Srinath, Debasis Mohanty and Harvinder Singh -- may not get any advantage from the conditions. So, it is a given that the Indian batsmen need to apply themselves and put up a good score, for a win. ''Apart from batting well, we have to improve our bowling and fielding,'' the skipper said.

Though the Indian eleven will be announced on Wednesday morning, one change is likely. Allrounder Hrishikesh Kanitkar, who also bowls off-spin, may regain his berth at the expense of Robin Singh or Harvinder Singh.

Pakistan will retain the same side that beat Bangladesh comprehensively on Monday. Manager Harun-ul Rashid said, ''There has been a lot of improvement in all departments of the Pakistan team against Bangladesh yesterday. I am sure my boys would put up a even better show tomorrow. The contest is going to be very keen.''

Rashid agreed with the Indian skipper's assessment and said, "More than 250 would be a good total and the team that bats well would have the advantage.''

Discussing Sunday's defeat, the manager said, "It is a new team. The captain is also new. The players could not practice together before coming to Dhaka as most of them were busy playing in domestic tournaments. Moreover, the Indian side has a very good batting line-up and they are clicking.''

UNI