Rahul Dravid and his men may have their concerns with injuries and form, but Pakistani
legend Abdul Qadir believes India are "favourites" while Australia
will fail to reach the semi-final of the World Cup in the Caribbean. 
The former leg-spinner said India had more strengths than weaknesses, and that
made them genuine contenders at the quadrennial event starting from March 13.
"India have a formidable batting line-up, and their bowling is well balanced
too, which makes them a favourite to reach the semi-finals," said Qadir,
in India to lead a Pakistan veterans' team in a three-match series this month.
"It's a mediocre fielding side but their superior batting can make up
for that," he said.
Qadir said he would prefer that Zaheer Khan and S Sreesanth opened the bowling.
"Zaheer has come back as an improved player ... Sreesanth
at times tries too hard but he is a fighter to the core. They can be lethal
with the new ball," he said.
Qadir said that in the wake of Australia slipping from their
world number one ranking, every other team would believe they had a chance to
win cricket's coveted trophy.
"The last six matches (that Australia played and lost five of them) have
given new lease of hope for all other teams," he said.
"The competition has become more even and I feel Australia
might fail to make the cut in the semi-finals." The wrist spinner, however,
put Pakistan as least favourites of them all.
"Going by current form, the Kiwis look the top team. They
have a bowler like Shane Bond in their ranks who can take five wickets
in a match. That certainly gives them an edge.
"Then there is South Africa close on their heel. India and Sri Lanka are
the two Asian teams likely to reach the last four stage. And you just can't
underestimate the hosts (the West Indies). They would be as dangerous as any
lion in its den," he said.
"They have a solid batting line-up with Chris Gayle,
and Shivnarine Chanderpaul as opening pair. And Ramnaresh Sarwan
when he is back in the team will make it a strong middle order.
Qadir said it would be the last World Cup for Brian Lara
and the West Indian great would be keen to sign off on a high.
"It will be also (Brian) Lara's last World Cup. He will
be that much determined to have that trophy in the cupboard before he hangs
his boots."
Qadir's team will play an Indian side led by Mohammed Azharuddin
in three limited overs games at Udaipur (Feb 23), Kozhikode (Feb 25) and Meerut
(Feb 27).
|
