Two time World champions West Indies will today take on 1992 champions
Pakistan in the opening match of the ninth ICC Cricket World Cup.
The Windies face pressure as no host country has ever won the
title since the World Cup was launched in 1975 in England. Brian Lara
and his men would make all possible efforts to create history as they start
the journey with this Group D encounter at Sabina Park.
It will, however not be easy for the West Indies as it has
been a roller coaster ride for them in the last few months.
Despite the series defeat in India last month and a nine-wicket
drubbing to the same team in a warm-up game in Trelawny on Friday, Lara is hopeful
that his players would fight back when the real action begins.
"We have played very good cricket for the sort of situations
that we have been in. I am quite confident that the team is going to bounce
back, especially in the competitive stage when the tournament starts on Tuesday,"
Lara said.
"We will be working to get the guys to understand their particular roles
and to understand their strengths. You are going to see a performance that as
a West Indian you would be proud of," he said.
Meanwhile, Pakistani skipper Inzamam ul Haq will definitely
feel the absence of Mohammed Asif and Shoaib Akhtar who have been
struck by injury.
Pakistan will depend much on Umar Gul and Mohammed
Sami, who along with pacer Yasir Arafat, has replaced the tainted
duo who also face charges of doping.
The unavailability of talented but injured all-rounder Abdul
Razzaq is also a big worry for Pakistan.
Pakistan, however, can bank on Mohammad Yousuf and Younis
Khan who troubled the South African bowlers on the recent tour to South
Africa.
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