16 June 1999
Harris out for revenge
The Lancashire Evening Telegraph
Former Ramsbottom pro Chris Harris had a score to settle when New
Zealand met Pakistan today in the semi-finals of the World Cup at Old
Trafford.
For the Kiwi all-rounder is one of two New Zealanders in the current
party who had their dreams of a place in the World Cup final wrecked
by Wasim Akram's men back in 1992.
It was a meeting Harris will want to forget because his bowling that
day proved expensive and played a part in handing Pakistan the
initiative.
But he had the chance to put the record straight today as his team
aimed to set up a date with either South Africa or Australia in
Sunday's final at Lords.
"It's certainly one of the biggest games of my career, as was the
semi-final against Pakistan in 1992," said Harris.
"I didn't bowl very well in that and I ended up getting hit for about
70-odd.
"So it would be great to get my revenge today."
New Zealand, who were 30-1 outsiders at the start of the competition,
go into the game as massive underdogs against Wasim Akram's men.
But they have already shown in this tournament they are more than
capable of pulling off a few surprises.
"The mood is very good in the camp but that's been the case all the
way through the tournament," said Harris.
"We had a good practice session yesterday.
"We worked on getting off to a good start if we're batting and if
we're bowling then stopping their batters from doing the same. "And
although they've beaten once already in this tournament in the group
stages, we did do some good things in that game and we can learn from
that.
"We're not turning up to lie down. We'll be aiming to give them as
good as we get because we all desparate to play in the World Cup
final."
New Zealand won the toss and batted today but former Accrington pro
Nathan Astle's dreadful World Cup continued when a Shoaib Akhtar
delivery appeared to keep low and bowled the opener for three as the
Kiwis reached 30-1 from seven overs.
The Kiwis were looking to test the theory that Wasim Akram's side are
at their most vulnerable when chasing a formidable target.
That idea had been given some credence on the same ground last week
when Pakistan were bowled out for 180 when chasing India's modest 227
total.
And New Zealand coach Steve Rixon admitted that the wicket, which has
already been used this season, could deteriorate as the day
progressed.
"It looks a good wicket to bat on, and we would like to have the runs
on the board," was Rixon's theory.
"There might be a bit of variable bounce and turn, and it might suit
what I call our accumulative killer bowlers - the likes of Larsen,
Astle and Harris." New Zealand certainly needed everything possible
in their favour with Pakistan overwhelming favourites to book a place
in Sunday's Lord's showpiece.
The Kiwis would also have taken encouragement from the blue skies
which were likely to help negate the swing of Pakistan quick bowlers
Shoaib Akhtar and skipper, Wasim Akram.
He has hinted he might quit international cricket if his side win the
competition.
Both sides were unchanged for today's game.
Pakistan kept faith with opening batsman Wajahatullah Wasti in
preference to veteran Salim Malik.
Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has hinted he may bring down the curtain
on his illustrious international career if his country win the
current World Cup. The former Lancashire star admitted it might be
the perfect moment to bow out if he lifts the trophy at Lord's on
Sunday evening.
Before then Wasim's unchanged side were taking nothing for granted
today.
But he believes the sizzling pace of Shoaib Akhtar will more than
combat the threat of New Zealand's Geoff Allott who is the
competition's leading wicket taker with 20 victims.
Wasim admitted: "My international future will depend on what happens
in the next few days. I am not sure yet. I am not really thinking
about it. But if we win the World Cup it might be a great way for me
to finish." Wasim is relishing his spell as skipper and believes his
style is helping to relax the players and get the best out of them in
this World Cup. He said: "This is my third or fourth time as captain.
This time the players wanted me and asked the Pakistan Board to
appoint me. I refused at first and it's a long story that I am not
going to start to go into now!
"But the boys know I am a relaxed captain who can get the best out of
them. They respond to me and we help each other on and off the field
instead of being sick of the sight of each other."
Akram, who expected to lead an unchanged side, will take nothing for
granted despite Pakistan's comfortable 62-run win over New Zealand in
a group encounter at Derby.
But he is backing Akhtar to again turn on the style.
Source :: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph