BIRMINGHAM, Sept 13: Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq told his side Monday to beware an India team without star batsman Sachin Tendulkar when they meet in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Sunday's 21,000 sell-out match at Edgbaston promises to be the game of the tournament, with Pakistan bidding to make it three one-day wins out of three against arch-rivals India.
When the teams last met in August at the Dutch triangular event, Pakistan enjoyed a 66-run win in a rain-affected contest. Tendulkar pulled out on the morning of that match with an elbow injury that has sidelined him ever since.
But in his absence India - whose top-order features the likes of captain Saurav Ganguly, Vangipurappu Laxman and World Player of the Year Rahul Dravid - began their Champions Trophy campaign with a 98-run win against Kenya at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
However, Inzamam told reporters on Monday: "Tendulkar is a great person but without him India still have a strong team and we will take them very seriously. "In a one-day game, every day is different and the most important thing is to work hard," the 34-year-old batsman added as Pakistan looked to follow up their Dutch and Asia Cup triumphs.
But before the game that will have millions across the sub-continent glued to their television sets, Pakistan begin their Pool 'C' programme against Kenya at Edgbaston on Tuesday.
And Inzamam insisted there was no danger of complacency setting in against the Africans. "We have a serious game and we will treat it very seriously. We will play with a full strength side."
Pakistan have just three players in their 30s, Inzamam, wicket-keeper Moin Khan and batsman Yousuf Youhana, with the likes of pace duo Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis as well as opening batsman Saeed Anwar all now retired.
And Inzamam said he enjoyed captaining a young side. "It's lovely for me because the young boys are full of energy and willing to perform well." Kenya, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe - as well as rank outsiders the United States - have all been on the end of huge defeats at the Champions Trophy that have done little for the tournament as a whole.
"I think the small teams need more experience," said a sympathetic Inzamam. "I know they are small teams but something needs to be done." However, for Kenya captain Steve Tikolo warm words are not enough.
His side upset the old order by reaching the semifinals of last year's World Cup. And their One-day International, if not full Test, status ought to have put them in a better position than other 'minnows'. -AFP
