05 December 2004	Sunday	22 Shawwal 1425

LAHORE, Dec 4: While New Zealand hope to upset Pakistan in Sunday's match, the hosts say they will not be taking the Kiwis as sitting ducks.

New Zealand coach Kevin Towns did not make tall claims, but at the same warned his side was ready for any challenge and could create problems for the Pakistanis.

"I will not say that we will be winning tomorrow against Pakistan, but we will try to give tough time to the opposition. And if we win, that will definitely be a big achievement of my team as Pakistanis are a tough side at home," Towns told Dawn.

While Pakistanis have not forgotten 7-1 humiliation at the hands of minnows New Zealand at 2002 Commonwealth Games semifinal in Manchester, Towns also recalled the overwhelming victory against the green shirts.

"We have done it at the Commonwealth Games. I won't say that we will or can repeat the performance, but we may give Pakistan a testing time," Towns, who was also at the helm when his side crushed Pakistan in Manchester, said.

Pakistan captain Waseem Ahmad said New Zealand were not an "easy side" and his side would not be taking them as soft opposition.

"Today we saw how a young and inexperienced German side gave us tough time in the first half. Tomorrow we can face same situation against New Zealand. So we will not be taking them lightly," a delighted captain said after his team's victory.

Waseem said modern hockey had changed the scenario and German performance was a proof how things could turn against an experienced team.

He opined presence of Mohammad Saqlain bolstered the forward-line, while assistant coach Asif Bajwa agreed that Saqlain's presence made the difference.

"Saqlain really played well and his presence has strengthened the team," said Asif.