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Moin promises tougher competition Staff and Agencies - 26 October 2000
Pakistan have resolved to set England a stiffer test when the two sides meet for the second time under floodlights at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore tomorrow. After England's five wicket victory in the first day-night international in Karachi, Pakistan captain Moin Khan says there could be a backlash from players still stunned at the tourists success in rattling up the fourth highest second innings total in history. "We're a lot more positive now," he said. "England's victory is bound to have given them a boost but we want to come back at them hard tomorrow. "We were really surprised how well England came back after losing a couple of early wickets to chase a score of over 300, but we've had a team meeting about it and we've decided on our strategy." That strategy might be helped by the decision to bring the start of the match forward by two and a half hours to offset the problems caused by excessive dew on Tuesday. Bowlers found it difficult to grip the ball after it had been in contact with a soaked outfield and fielders struggled to keep their footings as they attempted to retrieve the ball. "Moving the game forward is the right decision and is for the good of the game of cricket," claimed Moin. "The conditions here were even worse than Karachi when we trained on Thursday night. "We had a problem with this three years ago when we had a four nation tournament and it became a case of whoever batted last won the game because it was so wet." Pakistan are likely to include all-rounder Azhar Mahmood in their line-up after he missed Tuesday's defeat with a hand injury sustained in training and is expected to replace Waqar Younis in their attack. After his recent marriage, Shahid Afridi is also available casting doubt on the selection of Salim Elahi who made a century against England during a warm-up match for the Governor's XI. © CricInfo Ltd
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