Cricket: Pakistan point the way ahead

PAKISTAN GO into tomorrow's match against New Zealand knowing a win will ensure they take a maximum four points into the second round, given what should be a routine win over Bangladesh on Monday.

"We are playing well," their captain, Wasim Akram, said. "Our confidence is high. It's a crucial game for us. We have to win so we can carry four points into the super sixes. The way we are playing we are a very good prospect."

New Zealand, with no players in their team of the stature of Wasim, rely on discipline, teamwork and a concentration on fundamentals. "They are a very balanced side," Akram said. "They have good all-rounders and they are a good fielding side."

New Zealand are considering changing their top order batting after losing their last game because they were unable to cope with the early movement of the West Indies' fast bowlers.

The Kiwis captain, Stephen Fleming, said: "We will be looking at the top order," he said. "Whatever we do it will be for the purpose of getting through the first 10 or 15 overs."

An option may be to promote wicketkeeper Adam Parore, one of the more technically correct New Zealand batsmen.