Harris out for revenge (16 June 1999)

16 June 1999

Harris out for revenge

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Former Ramsbottom pro Chris Harris had a score to settle when New Zealand met Pakistan today in the semi-finals of the World Cup at Old Trafford.

For the Kiwi all-rounder is one of two New Zealanders in the current party who had their dreams of a place in the World Cup final wrecked by Wasim Akram's men back in 1992.

It was a meeting Harris will want to forget because his bowling that day proved expensive and played a part in handing Pakistan the initiative.

But he had the chance to put the record straight today as his team aimed to set up a date with either South Africa or Australia in Sunday's final at Lords.

"It's certainly one of the biggest games of my career, as was the semi-final against Pakistan in 1992," said Harris.

"I didn't bowl very well in that and I ended up getting hit for about 70-odd.

"So it would be great to get my revenge today."

New Zealand, who were 30-1 outsiders at the start of the competition, go into the game as massive underdogs against Wasim Akram's men.

But they have already shown in this tournament they are more than capable of pulling off a few surprises.

"The mood is very good in the camp but that's been the case all the way through the tournament," said Harris.

"We had a good practice session yesterday.

"We worked on getting off to a good start if we're batting and if we're bowling then stopping their batters from doing the same. "And although they've beaten once already in this tournament in the group stages, we did do some good things in that game and we can learn from that.

"We're not turning up to lie down. We'll be aiming to give them as good as we get because we all desparate to play in the World Cup final."

New Zealand won the toss and batted today but former Accrington pro Nathan Astle's dreadful World Cup continued when a Shoaib Akhtar delivery appeared to keep low and bowled the opener for three as the Kiwis reached 30-1 from seven overs.

The Kiwis were looking to test the theory that Wasim Akram's side are at their most vulnerable when chasing a formidable target.

That idea had been given some credence on the same ground last week when Pakistan were bowled out for 180 when chasing India's modest 227 total.

And New Zealand coach Steve Rixon admitted that the wicket, which has already been used this season, could deteriorate as the day progressed.

"It looks a good wicket to bat on, and we would like to have the runs on the board," was Rixon's theory.

"There might be a bit of variable bounce and turn, and it might suit what I call our accumulative killer bowlers - the likes of Larsen, Astle and Harris." New Zealand certainly needed everything possible in their favour with Pakistan overwhelming favourites to book a place in Sunday's Lord's showpiece.

The Kiwis would also have taken encouragement from the blue skies which were likely to help negate the swing of Pakistan quick bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and skipper, Wasim Akram.

He has hinted he might quit international cricket if his side win the competition.

Both sides were unchanged for today's game.

Pakistan kept faith with opening batsman Wajahatullah Wasti in preference to veteran Salim Malik.

Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has hinted he may bring down the curtain on his illustrious international career if his country win the current World Cup. The former Lancashire star admitted it might be the perfect moment to bow out if he lifts the trophy at Lord's on Sunday evening.

Before then Wasim's unchanged side were taking nothing for granted today.

But he believes the sizzling pace of Shoaib Akhtar will more than combat the threat of New Zealand's Geoff Allott who is the competition's leading wicket taker with 20 victims.

Wasim admitted: "My international future will depend on what happens in the next few days. I am not sure yet. I am not really thinking about it. But if we win the World Cup it might be a great way for me to finish." Wasim is relishing his spell as skipper and believes his style is helping to relax the players and get the best out of them in this World Cup. He said: "This is my third or fourth time as captain. This time the players wanted me and asked the Pakistan Board to appoint me. I refused at first and it's a long story that I am not going to start to go into now!

"But the boys know I am a relaxed captain who can get the best out of them. They respond to me and we help each other on and off the field instead of being sick of the sight of each other."

Akram, who expected to lead an unchanged side, will take nothing for granted despite Pakistan's comfortable 62-run win over New Zealand in a group encounter at Derby.

But he is backing Akhtar to again turn on the style.

Source :: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph