COLOMBO, July 19: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer is looking forward to what he described as a "needle" encounter with India when the old South Asian rivals meet in the second round of the Asia Cup tournament.
Pakistan topped their group in the preliminary rounds of the six-nation tournament after wins over Bangladesh and Hong Kong, and face India on Sunday in what is billed as a revenge match after India's one-day and Test wins in Pakistan this year.
But Englishman Woolmer sought to play down the rivalry. "I don't think the Pakistan players are seeking any revenge against India in the match," he said on Monday. "But yes, they remain stunned by their home series defeat recently to the Indians and it will be a needle encounter."
Pakistan's defeat cost coach Javed Miandad his job and the Pakistan board replaced him with the 56-year-old Woolmer. "Obviously every time these two teams play it is a big match with a lot of emotions to it. But I think the players are looking beyond the India match in this tournament," Woolmer added.
Pakistan and India resumed bilateral cricket ties this year after a three year freeze imposed by the Indian government following tensions over the disputed Himalayan state of Kashmir.
India won the one-day series 3-2 and the Test series 2-1 in Pakistan. Woolmer, who has spent just three weeks with the Pakistan players, said he did not want the team to be predictable.
"I can't share the plans I have for the team with the media. But yes, I have set some goals for myself and the team in this tournament. Hopefully this team will get better and be more competitive."
India finished second in their group in the tournament after losing a close match to Sri Lanka on Sunday night. The four Test-playing nations of the region - Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - now play against each other in the main rounds before the final on Aug 1. -Reuters
