Sunday's showdown at Lord's - Akram confident, Waugh cautious (19 June 1999)

19 June 1999

Sunday's showdown at Lord's - Akram confident, Waugh cautious

Nizamuddin Ahmed

London, May 18: Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram was confident of lifting the World Cup tomorrow, but added, "the team that plays better on the day will win".

He was addressing a pre-final press conference at the city's Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, the Pakistan team's abode.

Also present at the largely-attended conference were vice captain Moin Khan and the world's fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

Pakistan meet Australia in tomorrow's final at the Lord's.

The Pakistan skipper dispelled rumours of any rivalry between the two teams. He said he was surprised by the question and that they would be 'positive' about the final.

Akram assured that the 'carnival of cricket' would be very much alive on Sunday.

Replying to a question, the fast bowler said they knew nothing of any big prizes from home if they won the final. "And, we do not want to know," he said concealing a smile.

Moin Khan revealed that he had been playing with a finger injury throughout the tournament.

Shoaib said he was not thinking of breaking the 100 mile per hour barrier. He was happy to be doing well but added 'expectations always put me under pressure'. Shoaib admitted receiving several country's offers but 'nothing has been finalised'.

The team practised from 10 this morning.

Source :: The Daily Star