West Indies open campaign against Pak by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Event:

ICC Champions Trophy 2009/10

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DateLine: 23rd September 2009

 

Pakistan should have an easy task first up as they open their campaign by taking on a depleted West Indies at the Wanderers today.

 

Younis Khan and his team could not have asked for a better beginning in the eight-nation showpiece event as Pakistan are eyeing to become only the second team after India to clinch three high profile ICC titles -- World Cup, Twenty20 World Championship and Champions Trophy.

 

Asif, coming back from a ban is also raring to prove himself once again in the tournament as he said, "I don't think I could get a better platform than the Champions Trophy to make my comeback. And I have always liked bowling on the South African pitches."

 

Pakistan though would announce their final eleven today and might not be willing to disturb the team combination to accommodate Asif in the first match.

 

As far as their batting is concerned, it boasts of names like Shahid Afridi, who was instrumental in their T20 World Cup win in England three months back and experienced Mohammad Yousuf.

 

On the other hand, West Indies may find it tough to stop Pakistan because of their depleted line-up and there is a possibility that it could turn out to be a lop-sided contest.

 

With their regular stars like Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivanaraine Chanderpaul and Dwayne Bravo missing from the squad due to a bitter contractual row between the players and the board, Floyd Reifer will lead the side.

 

"I want the people in the Caribbean to know that this is a