Sport - Cricket

Akhtar will cause havoc at World Cup: Latif

KARACHI June 22 . Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is at the peak of his form and could cause havoc at next year's World Cup in South Africa, wicketkeeper Rashid Latif said today.

Latif, who returned with the Pakistan squad from Australia today, said keeping to Akhtar had been a real experience.

Akhtar powered Pakistan to a surprise 2-1 win over world champions Australia in the Super Challenge series last Wednesday, Pakistan's first one-day series win over the Australians since 1989/90.

Akhtar took five for 25 in the decider in Brisbane and seven wickets in two matches to shock the Australians.

His bowling prompted Australian captain Ricky Pointing to warn his team mates to find ways to master Akhtar to prevent him from ripping holes in the strong batting line-up.

``I have kept to Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram at their peak but Shoaib is very, very fast and very difficult to stand up to,'' Latif told Reuters.

The fast bowler did not return with the team but flew to London.

``In recent weeks I have seen three of the most destructive spells of fast bowling from Shoaib in one-dayers at Sharjah, Karachi and Brisbane and he is only getting better,'' Latif added.

``He is now fitter, more relaxed, focused and on target with his bowling. If he does not face any injury problems, he will cause havoc in the World Cup.''

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday stopped Akhtar from taking part in a planned fast bowler's competition in India later this year, saying he was a valuable asset to the Pakistan team and would not be released for such competitions before the World Cup.

Latif said the 26-year-old Akhtar was the fastest bowler in world cricket and no batsman would find it easy to counter his pace and accuracy. — Reuters

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