March 1, 2003	Saturday	Zul Hijjah 27, 1423

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TEAMS: Mercurial Pakistan, the 1999 runners-up, are arguably the most naturally talented team in the tournament but have yet to produce their best in heavy defeats by Australia and England and comfortable wins over minnows Namibia and Holland. Pakistan have a potent attack, led by the pace trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, and a dangerous batting order which has so far failed to fire.

India had struggled for form before their rout of England on Wednesday. Sachin Tendulkar has been very consistent with the bat and Rahul Dravid showed glimpses of his best with 62 against England. Ashish Nehra led an inspired seam bowling performance against England in helpful conditions but, against Pakistan, spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh are likely to be the main threat.

FORMWATCH: Pakistan came into the tournament with mixed form, whitewashing Zimbabwe before losing 4-1 to South Africa. They gave the Australians an early work-out in their cup opener before losing by 82 runs. Demolished Namibia by 171 runs, lost to England by 112 runs and beat Holland comfortably.

India played well in their emphatic victory over England after mixed form in wins over Holland and Zimbabwe, and a heavy defeat by Australia. Came into the tournament after a wretched tour of New Zealand and a poor warm-up campaign.

HEAD-T0-HEADS: India have beaten Pakistan in all three of their World Cup meetings in 1992, 1996 and 1999. In each match, India batted first and won by between 39 and 47 runs.

PREVIOUS WORLD CUPS: Pakistan beat England in the 1992 World Cup final after fighting back from a poor start to the tournament. In the 1999 final, they lost to Australia by eight wickets. Semifinalists in 1979, 1983 and 1987, as well as quarter-finalists in 1996.

India have appeared in every World Cup, claiming the 1983 trophy with a shock win over West Indies in the final. Despite their vast resources, however, they have not managed another final. Their low point came in 1996 when their semifinal against Sri Lanka was awarded to their opponents when the Kolkata crowd, fearing the worst, began to riot.—Reuters