Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam was optimistic about the behaviour of the pitch prepared for their semifinal against New Zealand, saying it would be a good track.
The organisers have decided to prepare the same track for the semifinal clash at Wanderers that had been used during the match between India and West Indies on Wednesday.
"The semifinals will be played on the same pitch that was used for the match between West Indies and India. The track is void of grass and would be a sporting one provided the sky stays clear and weather remains bright."
Talking to 'The News' here on Thursday, Intikhab said that the curators have got two more days to roll the pitch.
"I think it would be much better surface than on what we have witnessed during the last week. Those pitches, where we saw teams scoring less than 150, were a bit wet. Now when there is enough time for the curators to roll the surface, it would be a much improved surface."
The Pakistan coach warned against taking the New Zealand team lightly. "I do not think any of the teams making it to the semis could be taken lightly. They all have got strength and the ability to play tough cricket. That is why they have reached the knock out stages."
Regarding New Zealand's strength, he said they had a balanced side. "They have got some good batsmen up front and it is their fast bowling that could be considered as their strongest point. They have got all the ingredients to give a tough time to Pakistan."
He termed the on-going competition for places in the team as a healthy sign. "If today we are facing problems in picking the best team, it is more due to the growing competition. It is a sign of improvement."
Intikhab called on the Pakistan supporters to storm the Wanderers on Saturday as their presence would be of great help for the players.
Intikhab said that Indians should keep in mind that Pakistan did their best to beat Australia on Wednesday. "We were almost there and had it not been to bad luck, India would have been there in the semis."
The organisers have decided to prepare the same track for the semifinal clash at Wanderers that had been used during the match between India and West Indies on Wednesday.
"The semifinals will be played on the same pitch that was used for the match between West Indies and India. The track is void of grass and would be a sporting one provided the sky stays clear and weather remains bright."
Talking to 'The News' here on Thursday, Intikhab said that the curators have got two more days to roll the pitch.
"I think it would be much better surface than on what we have witnessed during the last week. Those pitches, where we saw teams scoring less than 150, were a bit wet. Now when there is enough time for the curators to roll the surface, it would be a much improved surface."
The Pakistan coach warned against taking the New Zealand team lightly. "I do not think any of the teams making it to the semis could be taken lightly. They all have got strength and the ability to play tough cricket. That is why they have reached the knock out stages."
Regarding New Zealand's strength, he said they had a balanced side. "They have got some good batsmen up front and it is their fast bowling that could be considered as their strongest point. They have got all the ingredients to give a tough time to Pakistan."
He termed the on-going competition for places in the team as a healthy sign. "If today we are facing problems in picking the best team, it is more due to the growing competition. It is a sign of improvement."
Intikhab called on the Pakistan supporters to storm the Wanderers on Saturday as their presence would be of great help for the players.
Intikhab said that Indians should keep in mind that Pakistan did their best to beat Australia on Wednesday. "We were almost there and had it not been to bad luck, India would have been there in the semis."
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