Intriguing clash between former world champions

Pakistan face Sri Lanka Saturday in the Morocco Cup double header aware of the fact that they also need to beat South Africa on Sunday to guarantee themselves a place in Aug 21 final.

Sri Lanka's additional bonus point against South Africa has turned this tournament upside down and has brought all the possibilities and likelihoods into consideration.

The 1996 world champions need just one win to go through whereas South Africa face the same dilemma as Pakistan though they have the cushion of a victory against the 1992 world champions, the result that could be decisive if both the teams finish even on points with Sri Lanka one ahead.

In case Pakistan beat South Africa and still both the teams finish on even points, net run-rate comes into play. Pakistan, after first round action, are at the bottom. However, if Sri Lanka lose both their games, Pakistan and South Africa lock horns on Wednesday.

However, the throw of the dice is in Pakistan's favour as they play Sri Lanka on the same pitch on which they defeated them by 28 runs. They then take on South Africa on the turf on which the Proteas were dismissed for 174 in 45 overs. South Africa are not pleased with this arrangement and have expressed their displeasure to the organizers.

Pakistan coach, Muddassar Nazar, said that we would field an unchanged team from Wednesday's game for Saturday's match.

However skipper Waqar Younis believes that the toss has become vital in this tournament. "But I don't think it is something that we need to allow it to get into our brains," Pakistan captain Waqar Younis said.

Teams (likely):

Pakistan: Saeed Anwar, Imran Nazir, Yousuf Youhana, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Rashid Latif, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mohammad Sami. Reserves: Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq and Azhar Mahmood.

Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando, Pulasthi Gunaratne, Upul Chandana. Reserves: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Charitha Buddika Fernando, Lakshitha Gamage, Hasantha Fernando.

Umpires: S.Venkataraghavan (India), D.Harper (Australia)

TV Umpire - S.Taufel (Australia)

Match referee: G.Vishwanath (India)