Pakistan Clash With India In Crucial Asia Cup Tie Today

KARACHI: Having got three full days to recharge their batteries, a rejuvenated India will take on archrivals Pakistan in a Super-Four match of the Asia Cup at the National Stadium here on Wednesday (today). India are fully aware of the fact that a victory in this crucial contest will ensure them a berth in the final.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was visibly miffed when he complained about the tight schedule of the tournament that required his team to play three matches over four days. “It is too tight. I am not happy with the schedule. Two teams have to play back-to-back matches while two others got a day off,” fumed Dhoni after his team had tamed Bangladesh in their previous match. Much to his relief, a three-day break allowed the side to get over the fatigue and the players should be raring to go when they have the traditional rivals at sight.

All-rounder Irfan Pathan’s return has boosted India. The 23-year-old Irfan missed the start of the tournament with a side strain but coach Gary Kirsten said he has regained full fitness. “Irfan is fine and available for selection,” said the India coach. He said the team had enjoyed their three-day rest after playing several matches in close succession. “It was very important to give the guys some time off the cricket, so we did it, now the guys are back and focusing for the next two games,” said Kirsten. India, who have four points after carrying over two points from the first round, need to beat Pakistan to set up a repeat of the 2004 Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, who beat India four years ago, qualified for the July 6 final with a comprehensive 158-run win over Bangladesh on Monday.

India showed their one-day credentials by beating Australia in their own backyard in a tri-series earlier this year. However they lost to Pakistan in the final of another tri-series in Dhaka last month. Pakistan need not only to win their matches against India and, on Friday, against Bangladesh, but must also hope other results go their way. The home team are further sweating on the fitness of captain Shoaib Malik, who suffered dehydration after his team’s 64-run defeat against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Team manager Talat Ali however said he hoped Malik, who was put on a drip after the match, would take the field on Wednesday. “It is a crucial match for us on Wednesday, so we hope Malik gets fit. At the moment he does feel weakness but I am hopeful that he will play,” said Ali.

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