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| Shoaib: ‘I love
bowling in pressure games’ |
Pretoria: Shoaib Akhtar, the
world’s No. 1 speed merchant, has vowed to “target” the
entire Indian team during Saturday’s World Cup ‘derby’ in
neighbouring Centurion.
Speaking in Rantjiesfontein
(a 35-minute drive away) after the Pakistan team’s workout
Thursday afternoon, Akhtar warned: “All of us have to give
our best and, personally, I’ll be looking to target all
XI Indians... We’ve got to win — we don’t have an option.
So, I’ll be going all out.”
Talking with a recently acquired
accent, Akhtar added: “There’s a lot of hype and the intensity
of an Indo-Pak match is always high... Yes, there will be
pressure, but I thrive in such conditions... I love to bowl
in the pressure games. God knows what the result will be,
but it surely will be a good match.
“In any case, it’s easier bowling
to the Indians if a comparison is made, say, with Australia...”
Asked whether the SuperSport Park
wicket would give him an advantage, Akhtar replied with
the confidence of a champion. “For me, the surface doesn’t
matter because I’m so quick in the air... Of course, help
from the wicket — be it pace or bounce — is going to be
welcomed. My job will be easier if conditions help swing.”
In Akhtar’s opinion, if the toss
is won by Pakistan, then Waqar Younis should set a target.
“The bowling is our strength, so, we should get the runs
on board and then bowl out India... Will it only be a Shoaib
Akhtar versus Sachin Tendulkar battle? No... He’s the best
batsman, but India have Rahul Dravid as well... If you ask
me, I like bowling to the biggest names, though.”
Having only recently clocked the
fastest delivery ever (161.3 kmph, at Newlands, against
England), Akhtar insisted a five-wicket haul would give
“more satisfaction” than breaking the 100 mph barrier. “I’m
actually quite disappointed that I went for 63 from nine
overs in that game.”
Clearly, Akhtar indicated being
hailed as speed merchant No. 1 didn’t exactly mean too much.
And, speaking about his form in the World Cup, he candidly
accepted he “expected” more than ten wickets in the four
matches till date. “That’s not enough, but I’m happy with
the rhythm. It’s not that I’ve struggled.”
Having just emerged as the highest
scorer (43, versus England) in the No. 11 position in any
ODI, Akhtar quipped: “Nowadays, when I wake up, I begin
looking for the bat... I’ve been consciously trying to improve
my batting, because a 25-30 from somebody in the tail could
lift a team to 270-280, which will be more than competitive
batting first...”
Asked by The Telegraph
whether he continued to unwind by watching Bollywood movies
and listening to the latest chartbusters from India, Akhtar
enthusiastically answered: “Jee haan ... Aap ne theek
farmaya... While Kaante is the last movie I have
seen, I thoroughly enjoyed Dil Chahta Hai... Everything
about it is so nice.”
Now, will he be a little nice
to the Indians?
Meanwhile, the Indians arrived
from Durban late this evening. Unlike the last India visit
here, for the Australia game, when both were in the same
hotel, the Pakistanis will be shuttling from Johannesburg.
Apparently, security considerations came into play.
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