Date:04/03/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/03/04/stories/2003030406512302.htm

Sport - World Cup

Pak. media's ire

A day after uncharacteristically restrained reports on Pakistan's defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India, the Pakistani media on Monday gave vent to its anger demanding sacking of `wheezy old horses' and cricket board chief Lt Gen Tauqir Zia.

"After the debacle against India, Lt Gen Zia has an overwhelming moral obligation to resign. He only deserves a chance, if Pakistan actually somehow win the Cup," The Nation commented editorially.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting on Monday said the reigning champions could go through the World Cup unbeaten after his side clawed their way back to a two-wicket win against England.

"We're a good enough side to do that. With the determination and desire we have we'll give ourselves every chance. It won't be easy but the way we won on Sunday says a lot about the team and the players in it," said Ponting.

Victory against England saw Australia set a new world record of 12 successive one-day wins, surpassing the West Indies' mark posted in 1985.