March 16, 2003	Sunday	Muharram 12, 1424

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JOHANNESBURG, March 15: Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan on Saturday tipped India to win the World Cup and Sachin Tendulkar as the man to deliver the golden goods.

“I didn’t think any team could challenge Australia at the start of the tournament — they were untouchable.

“But after watching India’s performances over the past few weeks, I think Saurav Ganguly’s team now have a very good chance of winning the final in Johannesburg,” Imran told the BBC Urdu service.

“The credit has to go to Sachin Tendulkar. His wonderful innings against Pakistan boosted team morale and, in turn, has since sparked a fantastic run of form for the rest of the team.”

Imran, who led Pakistan to the 1992 world title in Australia, also believes that India have the batting depth to take them to the championship.

“Against New Zealand on Friday we saw Mohammad Kaif, who wasn’t playing to his full potential, come good when India needed him to.

“This is a sign of a world-class team. The Australians will have noted the Indians strong all-round performances. And I think Ricky Ponting’s team are missing the extra edge in the bowling department that Shane Warne and Jason Gillespie would normally give them.

“And the way India are playing, they could well fully exploit that come the final.”—AFP