Dawn
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Sohail confident of giving a good performance

By Hasan Saeed
29 October 1998



DHAKA, Oct 28: ``We enjoy playing against West Indies, they're a very competitive side. I believe it'll be a good contest tomorrow,'' said Pakistani skipper Aamir Sohail today.

At a press briefing at Sonargaon Hotel in the morning, he admitted that Pakistan lost most of the one-day matches against West Indies, but said this is a knock-out tournament and ``we've come here to win the trophy.''

Replying to a question, the Pakistani skipper said everybody knows the power of Pakistan cricket and the ability of the team. ``We played many tournaments and showed our capabilities.''

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

Responding to a query 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 here, the Pakistani captain said: ``Yes, we lost the 1998 Asia Cup and this year's Independence Cup. But we've forgotten about 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.''

Sohail told a questioner that the ground of the newly-built Dhaka Stadium is 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 Inzamamul Haq will weaken the Pakistan batting, he said only time will say what will happen tomorrow. ``I don't think about who's playing or not. I am happy with this side.''

Responding to another query, Miandad said: ``I have been enjoying my new job and trying to forward the Pakistan team.''


Source: Dawn
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