Pakistan aiming for Hong Kong hat-trick

Pakistan, the world's leading six-a-side team, will be seeking a hat-trick of victories in this weekend's Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Sixes at the Kowloon Cricket Club - an annual biff-bang-wallop tournament that includes eight international teams.

"Hopefully we will be able to win it again," said Moin Khan, the Pakistan captain, soon after the team's nine-hour flight from Lahore. "This is a really fun event and the prize money is good. We are back with a talented side and if we play to our ability we should be able to defend our title."

But although Pakistan - winners in 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2001 - are favourites with another star-studded line-up that includes Moin Khan, Azhar Mahood, Abdul Razzaq, Imran Nazir and Imran Farhat, they may be pushed harder this year it what promises to be the most competitive tournament in history.

This year the organisers have invited New Zealand and Kenya in place of the UAE and Australia, who showed little interest in the tournament last year with the selection of a veteran XI. With both New Zealand and Kenya sending strong teams, the pool stages will no longer be a formality for the top seeds.

Pakistan should stroll to victory against Hong Kong - who have been bolstered by the news that their most famous cricketer, Dermot Reeve, will be making a star appearance - but have a tricky game against New Zealand on the first morning and a heavyweight clash against arch-rivals India in the afternoon.

India's team is bolstered by Vinod Kambli, the playboy of India cricket, who keeps telling the world that he is ready for one final fling in an Indian shirt. But hopes of winning their first-ever title have been dampened following a late pull-out by strike bowler Javagal Srinath who is injured. His place has been taken by Venkatesh Prasad.

England, the runners up last year and the winners in 1993 and 1994, are expected to top Pool 1 with an experienced team. Led by Matthew Maynard, the team includes Glen Chapple, Chris Silverwood, Kabir Ali, Darren Maddy, Dougie Brown and Robert Croft.

South Africa are another top seed. Led by Andrew Hall, who was sent home from South Africa's recent tour to Pakistan because of two-Test ban, their squad includes Loots Bosman, Justin Kemp, Justin Ontong and Monde Zondeki.

Sri Lanka, despite their reputation for flambuoyant strokeplay, are considered outsiders. Last year they suffered a shock defeat against Kong Kong. However, their squad includes several relatively unknown but effective allrounders, including Dulip Liyange, the skipper, Gayan Wijekoon, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Indika de Saram and Saman Jayantha.

The short boundaries at the Kowloon Cricket Club, a pristine green oasis amidst an sprawling urban jungle, and the even bounce of the artificial strip that will be used, traditionally favours the big-hitters. Bowlers concentrate on holding their nerve, avoiding the yips and bowling stump to stump.

"There are not many tactics in this game," according to Khan. "As a batsman in the sixes you go out to bat with the intention of hitting every ball for four or six. It is important to enjoy yourself and we have come with that intention."