Pakistan surprised at lacklustre England by AFP

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Player:	Inzamam-ul-Haq
Event:	England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 18th December 2005

 

Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq Sunday admitted that Pakistan were surprised at their success against England as they bid to clinch the one-day series by handing the tourists their third straight defeat.

 

Inzamam, whose team lead the five-match one-day series 2-1 after their comprehensive victory in the Tests, said Pakistan had not expected to dominate the Ashes champions.

 

"Our team has done very well, both in Tests and one-dayers. I don't think they had thought in their mind that we will do this well," he said ahead of the fourth match here on Monday.

 

Inzamam said he was determined not to let England back into the series, which they led 1-0 before slipping to two heavy defeats.

 

"This is a crucial match for us because it could be the decider in the five-match series, and by playing positive cricket we will do our best to clinch the series here," said the captain.

 

"We won't let them stage a comeback by scoring big once again. The pitch at the Pindi stadium is a good batting track and a score of 270-plus is possible here."

 

However, England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff said the tourists were still capable of winning the last two matches despite losing captain Michael Vaughan, spinner Ashley Giles and batsman Kevin Pietersen to injuries.

 

"We have staged comebacks before and we are capable of doing that again. It would be important to finish the year on a high note," he said.

 

Pakistan, who won the Test series 2-0, are in line for their third successive one-day series victory after away wins against India and the West Indies early this year.

 

Inzamam said the series was good preparation for the 2007 World Cup. Pakistan thrashed England by 165 runs in Thursday's third match after winning the second by seven wickets.

 

"This all is a process of building the team for the World Cup. I don't think as far as of the World Cup, but every series win will help us in our preparations for the mega event," he said.

 

The tourists were scheduled to practice under lights later Sunday. The fifth and final match will be played in Rawalpindi, the garrison city near Islamabad, on Wednesday.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)