Complete Guide to the World Cup

WEBSITE

http://www-rsa3.cricket.org/ link_to_database/PLAYERS/ PAK/W/WASIM_AKRAM_07001775/

Statistical details about Wasim Akram's career and a library of articles on the Pakistan captain.

MEDIA MONITOR

SOUTH AFRICA will gladly wear the underdogs label going into tomorrow's high-profile game. They know their last performance was something of a disaster, but they also realise that, when playing to their full ability, they are more than capable of sinking the tournament favourites. Expect a return of the focused, unflappable team that dominated Group A before their bad day in Chelmsford. South Africa's Natal Witness newspaper on today's match with Pakistan.

THE CRICKET contest between the subcontinental neighbours must be the fiercest derby in world sport. Never mind Rangers v Celtic or Yorkshire v Lancashire, this is an encounter that brings into play politics, religion and the foundations of national identity across a huge swathe of humanity. And since last year, the sporting confrontation has been overshadowed by a nuclear one. Pakistan's The Nation newspaper looks beyond today towards Tuesday and India.

PERFORMANCE OF THE DAY

GLENN McGRATH

IF INDIA were ever going to be dangerous opponents for Australia yesterday, it was their batsmen who were going to cause trouble. McGrath made sure that never happened, removing Sachin Tendulkar for a duck in the first over. Rahul Dravid was his next victim - falling for two - followed by the Indian captain, Mohammad Azharuddin, who walked after scoring just three. At one point, McGrath's figures were 3 for 8. Not bad against the world's supposed finest.

BETTING

PAKISTAN ARE just the favourites to win the tournament but Hansie Cronje's side are favourites to win the match between the two today. South Africa (5-6, Ladbrokes and Coral) look reasonable value to beat Pakistan (evens, Hills and Stanley). Kallis (7-2, Ladbrokes and Hills) or Klusener (12- 1, Stanley and Hills) could top score for South Africa. Inzamam-ul-Haq (4-1, Hills) could do the same for Pakistan, while Wasim Akram (16-1, Ladbrokes and Coral) is value at the price. Ladbrokes offer a special bet on who will score most points in the match, with 1 point for each run, 15 per catch, 15 per wicket and 20 for Man of the Match. Klusener is recommended at 9-4. Kallis (3-1) and Wasim (4-1) are next in the betting. New Zealand (1-2, Ladbrokes and Coral) can beat Zimbabwe (2-1, Stanley) tomorrow. Twose (4-1, Hills and Ladbrokes) could top score for the Kiwis. Johnson (4-1, Stanley) or Andy Flower (9-2, Coral) should do so for Zimbabwe. Ladbrokes also offer a "most points" bet on the match. Back Johnson (9- 4) or Kiwi Cairns (10-3).