Inzamam confident of Pakistan success in South Africa by AFP

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Event:

Pakistan in South Africa 2006/07

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DateLine: 2nd January 2007

 

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is confident of a strong showing by his side on their South Africa tour as the team gears up for an assault on the World Cup.

 

"We have a good and balanced team," Inzamam said before the team's scheduled departure Tuesday night, adding that he hoped they would play to their potential.

 

Pakistan are due to play three Tests and five one-day internationals on their tour, which starts with a three-day practice match against South Africa 'A' at Kimberley from January 6.

 

The first Test starts at Centurion from January 11.

 

The tour is considered crucial for the team as it forms the lead-up to the ninth World Cup in the West Indies, which starts in March.

 

Inzamam said his team realised the importance of the tour.

 

"We are up to the task and know how important this tour is for us. I am confident that the team will do well and be ready for the World Cup."

 

The 17-man party includes doping-tainted Mohammad Asif. The 24-year-old paceman was banned for one year in November after he tested positive for banned steroid nandrolone. But his ban was overturned last month after he appealed against the penalty.

 

Another paceman, Shoaib Akhtar, whose two-year ban was also overturned, failed to win a place in the party.

 

Ace batsman Mohammad Yousuf, whose father died in Lahore last week, will join the team in a couple of days.

 

Squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (captain), Younis Khan (vice captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Kamran Akmal, Faisal Iqbal, Asim Kamal, Mohammad Sami, Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria, Zulqarnain Haider, Shahid Nazir. Manager Talat Ali

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)