August 02, 2007	Thursday	Rajab 17, 1428

KARACHI, Aug 1: Pakistan's controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar claimed on Wednesday that he was 100 per cent fit and was looking forward to represent Pakistan in the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

“I had developed a bit of neck stress on Tuesday but right now I am perfectly alright,” he told reporters at the National Stadium. Pakistan manager Talat Ali was also present on the occasion.

Shoaib Akhtar, dubbed as the Rawalpindi Express, has clearly looked out of sorts and overweight during the third phase of the training and coaching camp set-up in the metropolis.

The fast bowler also skipped Wednesday's warm-up twenty20 match and when manger Talat Ali was asked whether Shoaib will play Thursday’s tie, he replied in the negative.

Shoaib said Pakistan would be able to raise a balanced combination and had bright chances of victory in September’s Twenty20 World Cup.—APP