Cardiff: Inzamam-ul-Haq holds the key to stablising Pakistan and giving them a base to derail the supposedly all-conquering Aussies. Inzi's useful knack of scoring much needed runs, at the hour of need, served Pakistan well at Old Trafford and thereafter at Edgbaston. That he may do so again at Cardiff against the Australians is not only a probability but also a very strong possibility for he has shown consistency. Yet one swallow does not a summer make, and if Pakistan has to prevail upon the Aussies, others like flamboyant Shahid Afridi, sedate but struggling Yousuf Youhana and the now timing Saeed Anwar will have to add something to Pakistan's total.

Fortunately, Pakistan's bowling has shown both penetration and pace, with Wasim Akram bowling as good as ever and Waqar Younis able to revive the 1992-year of swing. Saqlain has his confidence restored through spells of magic at Old Trafford and Edgbaston and with a 100% fit Azhar Mahmood bowling at his best, Aussies beware.

Razzaq has shown a tendency to bowl fast, if he keeps line and length in mind, he can improve upon his strike rate. Rashid Latif certainly is a bonus for Pakistan and if the need be, Shahid Afridi can tease the Aussies with his wristy spin and faster balls.The Astralians have a problem on their hands, except for McGrath, others have been outright ragged and their defeat by Middlesex was an eye opener for Steve Waugh. Add to this, the tied match with Northampton and one feels Australia take the field with a defeat on their minds. Certainly a demoralising factor. Yes, their batsmen have been scoring runs very freely, but runs on board can only come handy when one has bowlers to stall the run to the opponent's winning post.

Pakistan, on the other hand, takes the field with two very impressive wins behind them, and with very high morale. All they need is temper themselves, and even though the first five overs at Edgbaston were good, needed most was continuity for ten more overs. It should not be left to Inzamam alone to carry the innings, others should be up to the task. If they play with the same passion and commitment displayed at Old Trafford, Pakistan can win. If they so do, another win at Lord's will more or less ensure a place in the final against Australia and a chance to avenge that 1999 World Cup loss.

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