KARACHI, March 21: India’s cricketers have received support from an unexpected quarter as they prepare to battle Australia in World Cup final — arch rivals Pakistan.

Pakistan’s new captain, Rashid Latif, said on Friday India deserved to win the tournament in South Africa for the way they had fought themselves back into contention.

“Everybody is saying Australia will win the final,” he said. “I agree the way they have been playing they start off as favourites. But I think India deserve to win the World Cup.

“Purely for the way they have fought back after their dismal performance against the Aussies at Centurion five weeks ago.

“Their transformation has been remarkable.”

India handed a six-wicket defeat to Pakistan in a much hyped match on March 1 and wicket-keeper Rashidf was a member of the losing side.

The match between two hostile neighbours was the first since June 2000.

Rashid said if one took into account how Indian fans had reacted angrily over India’s early poor form in the World Cup and the way captain Saurav Ganguly and coach John Wright had rallied the team to reach the final, they would not be pushovers.

“I think it is going to be one hell of a match. Australia are the reigning champions but I think the Indians are playing their best and most balanced cricket at the moment,” he said.—Reuters