AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Reuter: Pakistan Captain Imran Khan on Friday rated his team the second best in the world and said it would end New Zealand’s record of 10 years without defeat in home test series,
He told reporters when the team arrived from Australia for a two month tour including three tests; “It’s success abroad that matters these days.”
The Pakistani all-rounder is on his first visit to New Zealand since 1978/79 when his country was the last side to win a series here.
Imran Khan said the West Indies were preeminent at present, followed by Pakistan,
He said his sides’ 1988 showing in the ‘West Indies, where they nearly ended the hosts’ 16 year unbeaten record, was why he rated his own side so highly. The sides drew the series one all.
He said he was disappointed with Pakistan’s form in Australia where they failed to reach the final of the triangular one day World Series cup; But the added that the true measure was test cricket and not one day ‘matches.
Pakistan bases their hopes for winning the series on a well-balanced attack, he said. “It’s the variety in our attack which will be ‘our weapon,”
Unlike previous tours, where the bowlers were mainly spinners, he expected Pakistan’s pace attack to play a key role.
Imran Khan, who was taken 334 test wickets, rated Wasim Akram as. Force to be reckoned with in Interactional Cricket.
“He’s the most talented youngster in world cricket and that includes players like Graeme Hick,” he said.
WELLINGTON, Reuter: Pakistan, knocked out of Australia’s triangular World Series cup on Tuesday, will begin their New Zealand Cricket tour early and an extra game has been scheduled.
The New Zealand Cricket Council on Wednesday said it has included an extra match in Pakistan programme because the visitors would arrive on Friday, a week earlier than planned.
The three-day match against a national second XI competition selection will start in New Plymouth on January 18. The two month tour includes three test matches and four one day internationals.
NZCC President Barry Paterson said meanwhile that New Zealand was concerned about an amendment to Pakistan bid to stage the 1991 world cup.
They are seeking the amendment after the (November 10) deadline and after having seen our bid and that isn’t really acceptable,” Paterson told reporters.
‘New Zealand submitted a joint bid with Australia in competition with Pakistan’s offer. He said Pakistan had amended their ‘own package after seeing the New Zealand Australian bid and set about wooing Associate Members of the International Cricket conference to secure votes
Paterson said Pakistan were attempting {o arrange a meeting of the 18 Associate Members.
“We know that they are trying to are range a meeting before January 23 but we don’t know where and when they intend £0 have it” he said “We are confident, but ultimately the 18 associate members and seven test countries vote on it.” Paterson said.
SYDNEY, Reuter: West Indies, after narrowly losing the first match, came back with a vengeance on Monday by smashing 277 for nine against Australia in the second one day final of the world series cup at the Sydney Cricket ground,
After winning the toss and deciding 10 bats on a flat, dusty pitch, West Indies piled on the pressure from the start with a quick-fire 99run partnership between Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge.
The early onslaught yielded more than six runs an over and Australian Captain Allan border used six bowlers in the first22 overs.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 20, 1989
