NEW DELHI: Bitter rivals India and Pakistan are on a World Cup collision course, but the two neighbors still have quarterfinal hurdles to overcome as the marathon tournament enters its sixth week. India takes on defending champion Australia in Ahmedabad Thursday while a resurgent Pakistan faces an inconsistent West Indies in Dhaka to kick-start the last eight stage Wednesday. Victory for both Asian giants will set-up a semifinal blockbuster in Mohali on March 30. But Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi insisted he was not even thinking about the semifinals. “Our focus is on the quarterfinals, we have to win that to reach the semifinal, so we are not thinking that far. First we have a must-win match against a dangerous opponent,” Afridi said. New Zealand and South Africa meet in Dhaka Friday before Sri Lanka and England clash in Colombo Saturday as the World Cup, which staged its opening ceremony on Feb. 17, comes down to the world's eight top-ranked sides. Despite criticism of the length of the tournament and the succession of one-sided matches, International Cricket Council president Sharad Pawar claimed on Monday it is potentially the greatest ever. “We have surely been treated to a real feast of 50-over cricket with some outstanding games,” said Pawar, as the World Cup enjoyed its first rest day. “The standard has been impressive and there's no doubt that 50-over cricket has a real attraction and an amazing appeal for players, spectators in the grounds and the hundreds of millions watching around the world.” India has lost to Australia in nine out of 15 matches played on home soil in the last five years. “Australia is a very strong side and very expressive on the field,” said Dhoni. “But it's about how we prepare. Preparation is very important and we are just thinking about that particular day and match rather than thinking about the result.” Pakistan, meanwhile, topped its qualifying group with 10 points. It will be overwhelming favorite to defeat West Indies which squeezed into the quarterfinals by virtue only of a superior run-rate over Bangladesh. Afridi said that his team's win over Australia at the weekend, where it ended the champion's 34-match unbeaten World Cup run, had restored his country's image after a series of bodyblows. “We knew that beating Australia would be very important for us and this win has enhanced our image, sending a good signal to the cricket world that we can win despite our difficult situation,” Afridi said. Pakistan entered the tournament on the back of a spot-fixing scandal which led to lengthy bans on former Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir. The three men are also facing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Pakistan has also been a no-go area for international teams since the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore two years ago. Afridi said Pakistan has a deep well of natural cricketing talent. “Despite all the problems Pakistan is blessed with talent and it's because of this talent that we are a dangerous team and can win against anyone. We now hope to carry on the momentum,” said Afridi. The Pakistan captain disagreed that the West Indies, who squeezed into the last eight on run-rate, will be easier opponents. “They have qualified for the quarter-finals after some good play, so we have to do well in all three departments because it's a knockout stage from here,” said Afridi, the leading wicket-taker with 17 in six matches so far. The West Indies, which has now lost 18 successive matches against the leading nations, will be returning to Dhaka where their bus was stoned earlier this month. But Dhaka police commissioner Benazir Ahmed said the West Indies would be provided with the “highest security” possible. “The West Indies are our valued guests and we will ensure the highest state-level security to them, he said. – Agence France
