March 4, 2003	Tuesday	Zul Hijjah 30, 1423

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FORMWATCH: Pakistan lost 4-1 to South Africa in the World Cup warm-up but said those results had been ideal preparation. Since then, they have functioned at only around 60 percent, crashing to Australia, losing to England and, despite an impressive batting performance at last at Centurion, falling to the genius of Sachin Tendulkar.

Zimbabwe have also lost convincingly to both Australia and India. It is their bonus four points, after England refused to play in Zimbabwe — England had won their last nine meetings — which have kept their hopes alive rather than their good form.

HEAD-T0-HEADS: On paper, Zimbabwe have no chance, winning just two of 29 one-dayers between the sides. At home, they have lost nine out of 11, with one tie. Just before the World Cup, Pakistan came to Zimbabwe and won 5-0. But how fired up will Pakistan be if they feel they have no chance of making the Super Six?

KEY PLAYERS: Pakistan — Waqar Younis looked on the verge of losing control of his team in the defeat by India. Pakistan will need to be totally unified if they are to sneak into the second phase on run rate.

Zimbabwe — While Andy Flower remains pivotal to the batting, Zimbabwe’s real chance of victory will be to get among Pakistan’s batsmen early. Skipper Heath Streak has only taken four wickets to date and is due a big performance.

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 quarterfinalists in 1996.

Zimbabwe have been ever-presents since 1983, when they shocked Australia with a win at Nottingham. Their greatest performance came in 1999, when they beat South Africa and India to reach the Super Six stage.

VENUE: Queens Sports Club is one of two Test venues in Bulwayo, Zimbabwe having played their second ever match against New Zealand at nearby Bulawayo Athletic Club in November 1992. All subsequent Tests in Zimbabwe’s second city (and ODIs, bar one against the New Zealanders on that same tour) have been played at Queens.—Reuters