Inzamam confident of victory

Inzamam-ul-Haq has expressed supreme confidence in his side's ability to win the Videocon Trophy in Amstelveen, as well as the Champions Trophy in England. He said that Australia's domination in one-dayers didn't mean that they could not be overwhelmed. But to do that, he warned, Pakistan had to pick up their game.

Dawn quoted Inzamam as saying: "I think of only victory. I believe the team is well-balanced and if it performs to potential, it can win." He said that the team had its sights set on beating the Australians. "For this target to be achieved we have to improve our fielding, which is now showing some improvement. We are good in two other departments; bowling and batting."

He was satisfied with the team selected for both tournaments, and said that, contrary to some suggestions, he had the final say in selection matters. He placed faith in Shahid Afridi's ability to perform, and acknowledged that his past record was unimpressive. But Inzamam did add that this would be Afridi's last chance. He said that Afridi would be used as a sixth bowler, and shifted up and down the batting order according to the situation.

Besides Afridi's inclusion, Inzamam defended Moin Khan's presence in the squad. "We need wins to build players' confidence. Therefore I prefer senior players as they can cope better with pressure situations."

Inzamam then hinted that some players might not play on until the next World Cup, but refused to name them - and then said that he himself would play as long as he was happy. "I want to continue playing until I am satisfied with my performance."