Must-win for Pak

India would be praying for an unlikely Zimbabwe win to keep alive their hopes for a last four berth. Zimbabwe have already made the grade with five points but showed motivation and strength chasing Australia8217;s 303 yesterday before going down by 44 runs.

After comprehensive wins in their first four league ties, the 1992 winners unbelievably slumped to defeat against debuantants Bangladesh and have never recovered since.

Pakistan8217;s brittle batting has become their major worry and they are suddenly looking vulnerable as the formidable bowling is also beginning to reveal many cracks.

Overconfidence has also played a role with skipper Wasim Akram roundly criticised for calling the tie against India a 8220;practice game8221; only to be beaten by 47 runs at Old Trafford.

Zimbabwe are having a fairy tale run. They stunned India and favourites South Africa in the league to bring four points and have made the last four after gaining a crucial point from their abandoned tie against New Zealand.

The unexpected no result in Super Six has proved a lucky escape for Zimbabwe as the Kiwis, at 70-3 in 15 overs chasing 176 for victory, looked coasting to victory.

All-rounder Neil Johnson, who smashed a gallant unbeaten 132 against Australia has led his team8217;s brilliant efforts at this World Cup.

Pakistan are grappling with severe injury problems going into the crunch tie. Young batsman Yousuf Youhana looks to be out of the tournament after aggravating a right hamstring injury batting against South Africa and Akram reportedly has sought youngster Mohammad Wasim, who is playing league cricket in England, as a replacement.

Teenaged all-rounder Abdul Razzaq suffered a similar problem against India, while wicketkeeper and batting mainstay Moin Khan broken little finger, Inzamam-ul Haq cut left forefinger and Saeed Anwar left ankle have all been nursing injuries with Akram himself not in the best of health.

Added to this is the woeful lack of form of the main batsmen. Both openers Shahid Afridi and Wajahatullah Wasti have failed miserably and Ijaz Ahmed and Salim Malik too are yet to produce anything special. Only Haq and Moin Khan have been able to provide some solidity in the batting.

But Pakistan will be looking to regain pride after the sudden dip in performances and seasoned paceman Waqar Younis or wily leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed might get a look in.

Zimbabwe, who lost to Pakistan by 53 runs in their only World Cup meeting with Pakistan in the 1992 league stage, however will not be overawed by Pakistan8217;s reputation.

Having beaten them 1-0 in a Test series and gone down a close 1-2 in One-dayers in Pakistan last November, the African team8217;s worries have been lack of consistency in bowling and a shaky lower order.

The 29-year-old Neil Johnson has led Zimbabwe from the front with brilliant all-round performances. The South African trained player struck an unbeaten 132 not out against the Aussies which has taken his World Cup tally to 313.

A century and two fifties in seven innings has given him a superb average of 52.16 and he has also captured 12 wickets, including four for 42 against Kenya and 3-27 against South Africa.

With opener Grant Flower, Murray Goodwin and Andy Flower also in fairly good nick, Zimbabwe would fancy their chances against the Pakistan attack.

But Zimbabwe would have to bowl really well if they are to add another big scalp to their collection and show there is much more to their semifinal qualification than the largesse from the weather.