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Asia Cup - 2004
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Asia Cup - 2004
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News
Pakistan capable of
defending Asia Cup: Inzamam
KARACHI: Pakistan cricket captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was upbeat on
Monday about his revitalised team's chances of winning the upcoming
Asia Cup starting on July 16 in Sri Lanka.
"My team is now revitalised and after some organised coaching I am
confident that we will successfully defend our title," Inzamam said.
Pakistan's legendary batsman Javed Miandad was fired as coach last
month and replaced by former England batsman Bob Woolmer after
Pakistan lost one-day and Test series to India in March-April this
year.
"It's not that we were not receiving good coaching previously but
Woolmer has organised this team and has told us that we need to
raise commitment and performance level," said the Pakistan captain.
"He (Woolmer) has told us that Australia should be the benchmark for
us as in the coming season we are touring Australia," said Inzamam.
A 14-man Pakistan squad is due to leave for Sri Lanka on Tuesday to
defend its Asia Cup title won in Bangladesh four years ago.
Hosts Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and United Arab
Emirates are competing in the event which runs from July 16 to
August 1.
Pakistan captain said rivals India and Sri Lanka are the teams to
beat in the Asia Cup.
"India's recent performances are very good and they are on the rise,
so are the Sri Lankans and we need to raise our level to beat them
to defend our title," said Inzamam, whose side is in group A with
Bangladesh and Hong Kong.
"The first phase is relatively easy and the real test is in the
second phase but we are ready for it."
The first phase pits India, Sri Lanka and UAE in group B. The top
two teams from both groups will qualify for the second phase where
teams will square off on league basis.
Inzamam said Pakistan must begin the hectic season with a success.
"We have a hectic season ahead and play Australia and India in a
tri-series after the Asia Cup so we must start with a win and carry
the good work in the rest of the season."
Pakistan also clash with India in the ICC (International Cricket
Council) Champions Trophy in September in England before hosting
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka for a tri-series.
They then tour Australia for three Tests and a tri-series, also
involving the West Indies from December this year to February 2005.
Pakistan is also scheduled to tour India early next year.
"It is my aim to be on the winning side against Australia in
Australia and my last chance will be later this year," said Inzamam,
a member of the Pakistan side that was routed by Australia 3-0 in
1999.
Squad: Inzamam-ul Haq (captain), Yousuf Youhana (vice captain),
Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Imran Nazir, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik,
Moin Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Sami, Shoaib Akhtar, Shabbir
Ahmed, Rana Naveedul Hassan, Danish Kaneria.
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