Sport

‘Morning session crucial’

NEW DELHI: On a deteriorating pitch at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground both India and Pakistan are looking to come out on top.

If India is resting its hopes on V.V.S. Laxman to give India a big lead, Pakistan is hoping that leg-spinner Danish Kaneria comes up with a match-winning performance.

“It will be tough playing in the fourth innings since the pitch is deteriorating,” was the candid observation from Laxman.

“Saturday’s morning session will be very, very crucial. We can take a good lead and put Pakistan under pressure. At this stage, it is difficult to predict a gettable target.”

Kaneria acknowledged the importance of the Laxman-Dhoni partnership and said, “Dhoni’s wicket at that stage was very important. He keeps the scoreboard moving and scores pretty fast. I am pleased I could give the team the much-needed breakthrough.”

Looking ahead, Kaneria said a target of around 290-300 would be match-winning for Pakistan. “If we can wrap up the remaining Indian wickets early on Saturday, we’ll have a good chance (of winning).”— Special Correspondent

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