Resurgent India brace up for final act

But Pakistan8217;s loss to England and India8217;s convincing win over Pakistan the next day has raised expectations for the final.

An India-Pakistan match, especially at the Sharjah Stadium, is known for its emotion and passion, not only between the players of the two countries, but also among the spectators whothrong the ground to cheer their respective teams.

Despite hiccups in batting, the Indians have generally done well so far. Young opener Sadagopan Ramesh came up with two 50-plus knocks 8212; against England and Pakistan. Rahul Dravid overcame his initial hesitancy to notch up a match-winning 81 against Pakistan. Azharuddin, too, showed that he has not lost his touch by scoring an unbeaten 74 against England before injuring his toe and getting ruled out for the remaining matches.

The bowlers have generally done an efficient job. Venkatesh Prasad has been most outstanding, bowling economically and taking vital wickets. Anil Kumble has helped the team check the run-rate in the middle overs. Ajit Agarkar, who came into the match against Pakistan on Tuesday after the viral illness which he suffered on landing in the United Arab Emirates, stuck to a good line and length immediately.

It is the fielding which has improved considerably in the last three games. A sense of urgency and aggression were seen among theplayers. It must be credited to the stand-in captain Ajay Jadeja8217;s inspired leadership that has been the reason for such a dramatic transformation in the team8217;s attitude and motivation level.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will be raring to avenge their defeat on Tuesday. Shoaib Akhtar, who has proved to be a terror for most of the top-order batsmen, is expected to go flat out tomorrow. Saqlain Mushtaq will be another bowler the team will look to give the right breaks. Pakistan have a strong batting line-up, with Saeed Anwar, Ijaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Salim Malik who celebrates his 36th birthday on Friday has shown a return to form with an unbeaten 47 against England and 58 in the match against India.

It remains to be seen whether India can continue with their run of successes three wins in a row and score another psychological win over their traditional rivals to give a further boost to their World Cup campaign.

Teams: India from: Mohammed Azharuddin captain, Sadgoppan Ramesh, SauravGanguly, Rahul Dravid, Ajay Jadeja, Amay Khurasia, Robin Singh, Nayan Mongia, Vinod Kambli, Sunil Joshi, Ajit Agarkar, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, Anil Kumble and Nikhil Chopra.

Pakistan from: Wasim Akram captain, Shahid Afridi, Saeed Anwar, Ijaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Moin Khan, Azhar Mahmood, Saqlain Mushtaq, Wajahatullah Wasti, Yousuf Youhana, Abdul Razzak, Arshad Khan, Shoaib Akhtar and Salim Malik.

Timings: 1100 GMT 1630 hrs IST.

Telecast on: DD Sports.

Chip of old block an aspiring doc

He is interested in biology and computer science. He is only 16 years old and is not part of the team. Yet, Junaid has been doing the job of the 12th man in the Coca Cola Cup here, taking water bottles to the players, handing them fresh pair of batting gloves, etc. He has been with the team ever since Pakistan arrived here for the current competition.

Junaid is the son of Pakistan coach Javed Miandad. The youngster is even seen in a Pakistan track suit, with the nameJaved8217; written on the back of the shirt. 8220;At the moment, I am only interested in my studies. I want to become a doctor. Cricket is only secondary. I am, of course, a great fan of my father, who has done so much for the country8217;s cricket,8221; Junaid said.

Mystery shrouds Azhar8217;s participation: There seems to be some uncertainty about Mohammed Azharuddin playing in the final tomorrow although the Indian skipper attended the practice session at the stadium this evening. 8220;The injury seems to be improving. I think I8217;ll be alright by tomorrow,8221; Azhar said after the nets.

Team coach Anshuman Gaekwad was confident Azhar would play. 8220;He feels little discomfort. We8217;ll check with him again tomorrow morning,8221; Gaekwad said.

Team doctor Ravinder Chaddha said: 8220;As long as he doesn8217;t feel the pain, he should be playing. The blue colour on his injured toe does not matter as long as he has no pain. He has to decide if he can play. He fielded aggressively for 15 minutes this evening. He doesn8217;t feel anypain.8221;