Miandad satisfied with squad

Published March 6, 2004

LAHORE, March 5: Pakistan coach Javed Miandad expressed his satisfaction over the 16-member team announced on Friday for the two One-day Internationals against India.

Miandad said that availability of a maximum number of all-rounders was necessary, keeping in view the strong batting line-up of the rivals. Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan and Imran Farhat are the all-rounders included in the squad.

He was all praise for Rana Naveed and said the bowler impressed him with his improved fielding and bowling in the camp. He said that Afridi was a good choice as he was not a liability on the team due to his ability as an all-rounder.

Asked if medium-pacer Rao Iftikhar, a member of the 16- member squad, could face pressure of the series, Miandad said that he was the best choice after Umar Gul was declared unfit about three days ago. "All the players have to face pressure and same will be the case with Iftikhar".

Miandad said that he laid more emphasis on improving the fielding, no and wide balls in the camp. Meanwhile, Rao Iftikhar, who was included in the 16-member team announced for the first two one-dayers against India, said that if selected in final line-up, he would try his level best to live up to expectations.

" Yes, I am likely to make my international debut in a pressure series, but I am committed to the game and hopefully will deliver despite all odds," the 23-year-old medium-pacer said after concluding the practice session at the Gadhafi Stadium. Iftikhar said that he was selected on merit and that was most important for him.