CAPE TOWN, Feb 21: Pakistan captain Waqar Younis and his bowlers will target opener Marcus Trescothick and all rounder Andrew Flintoff as England’s dangermen in their World Cup Group ‘A’ game on Saturday.

Waqar said the pair, along with wicket-keeper Alec Stewart, were the main threats to Pakistan’s hopes of a sixth consecutive win over England.

But he suggested he expected victory in the Newlands day-nighter by arguing that the game would be won by bowlers.

“They (Trescothick, Flintoff and Stewart) are all quality players and can cause us problems. Overall, England are a very professional outfit and we are not taking them lightly at all,” Waqar told a press conference.

“Both sides’ batsmen have struggled until now in this tournament and I think the bowlers will win the game.

“I am happy that Shoaib Akhtar is bowling at his best now and Wasim also has been in good form. With (off-spinner) Saqlain Mushtaq, I don’t think we should allow the match to slip away in the middle overs as happened against Australia.

Flintoff scored a 60-ball 84 in England’s last one-day win over Pakistan in Karachi two years ago. Trescothick made 137 against them at Lord’s in June 2001 but England still lost by two runs.

“We are relaxed and keen to do well. They are no extra pressures, although yes, I would describe it as a crunch one for both teams,” Waqar added.

England won their opening two games against minnow sides but need to beat two out of Pakistan, India and Australia to keep their cup hopes alive after forfeiting their match in Zimbabwe.

Pakistan lost to Australia in a repeat of the 1999 final before thrashing Namibia.

The Pakistan skipper said the Newlands pitch appeared to be a good batting track.

Coach Richard Pybus added: “We have a chance to get our World Cup campaign on the right track... Individually, Pakistan are a very talented side. It is just a case of now putting in a collective effort with a right attitude.”—Reuters