Pakistan take South Africa clash seriously by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 9th March 2007

 

Coach Bob Woolmer said it would be more than just a World Cup warm-up match when Pakistan clash with South Africa here on Friday, saying his side had a score to settle.

 

"We have a point to prove against South Africa and need to keep the momentum of our first warm-up game against Canada where we had a good workout," said Woolmer, whose team lost 3-1 to South Africa in a one-day series last month.

 

Pakistan began their practice matches here on an impressive note when they beat Canada by 77 runs, while South Africa struggled to beat debutants Ireland by 35 runs in their first match.

 

Pakistan were at full-strength when they had a workout on Thursday as fast bowler Mohammad Sami and all-rounder Yasir Arafat joined the session.

 

Sami and Arafat replaced fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, who were ruled out of the tournament due to injuries.

 

"It was an intense practice session and every paceman, including Umar Gul, hit the right areas, so I am happy with the build-up and hope that the problems of the last six months are a thing of the past" said Woolmer.

 

Gul had to return home three days after Pakistan reached South Africa in January with an ankle injury, but had fully recovered to make it to the World Cup squad.

 

"It is amazing and a relief to have all 15 players and we are gearing up for the World Cup," said the Pakistan coach.

 

"Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and I have 11 players in mind so it is necessary for them to get ready for the opening match."

 

Pakistan are in Group D with the West Indies, Ireland and Zimbabwe, with the top two sides making it to the Super Eight stage.

 

South Africa hope to solve their batting problems in their last warm-up game ahead of the mega one-day event. They performed much below expectations against Ireland, crashing to 91-8 before winning the game.

 

South African coach Mickey Arthur said his team would try to make the most of their last practice match against Pakistan before their opening World Cup match against the Netherlands in St. Kitts on March 16.

 

"We will take the most out of the Pakistan game. I want us to get what we can out of the game," he said.

 

All-rounder Justin Kemp has recovered after being hit on the toe during a practice session on Sunday and is likely to play against Pakistan.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)