Pak to try out Younis, Mushtaq

NORTHAMPTON, May 30: Pakistan are keen to utilise their final league match against newcomers Bangladesh to try out their reserve players ...

NORTHAMPTON, May 30: Pakistan are keen to utilise their final league match against newcomers Bangladesh to try out their reserve players ahead of the second round as the two teams from the sub-continent clash in an inconsequential World Cup Group `B’ tie here tomorrow.

Determined to move into the super six stage with an all-win record, Pakistan plan to make a few changes in their line-up giving rest to super-fast Shoaib Akhtar and off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq.

But their likely replacements — speedster Waqar Younis and leg-spinning wizard Mushtaq Ahmed — could be equally dangerous for debutant Bangladesh, who will look forward to putting up a gallant fight as they did against other superior teams like Australia and West Indies.

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The Pakistani attack has been the most fearsome in the World Cup so far but tomorrow’s match will provide skipper Wasim Akram an opportunity to try out Younis and Mushtaq in search of more options when facing stronger opponents in the next round.

Though the top order batsmenhave not played up to their potential, Akram is not unduly worried.

The poor form of Saeed Anwar, whose 194 against India is the highest one-day score, is a blessing in disguise he said as it implied the dashing opener would hit the purple patch in the super six matches.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

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