Toss or pitch, which will be more crucial in the outcome of match against Kiwis?

As Pakistan prepare to make their first ever Champions Trophy final, captain Younis Khan admitted the toss would go on to play an important role in the outcome of the match against New Zealand on Saturday (tomorrow).

The Wanderers pitch has proved to be a nightmare for teams batting first. "I think if the wicket plays the way it has been behaving so far, the toss could play an important role in the outcome of the semi, said Younis. It all depends on who wins the toss and what type of pitch we get for the match. The pitch provides assistance to bowlers and even facing the part-timers becomes all the more difficult," Younis said. "So it all depends on luck. Whichever team wins the toss would turn out favourite to win the semis. However, we are adamant not to leave everything to luck. We would fight to the end even if we lose on the spin of the coin," he said. He reiterated that his team is here to win the Trophy and would not be content with anything short of title. "We are just two wins away from winning the event and as such every player is fully geared up to perform to his best."

Victory against Australia in the last pool match would have given Pakistan top spot in Pool A and a chance of playing in the first semi against England at Centurion. On the contrary, it is Australia that would go on to play in the first semi. "There is very little difference in the strengths of all the four teams. In spite of resting some players, we were almost there against Australia in the last match. I think any team can beat the other in the semis and the one that holds on to their nerves better is expected to go ahead."

On the other hand, Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam was optimistic about the behaviour of the pitch prepared for their semifinal against New Zealand, saying it would be a good track. The organisers have decided to prepare the same track for the semifinal clash at Wanderers that had been used during the match between India and West Indies on Wednesday.

"The semifinals will be played on the same pitch that was used for the match between West Indies and India. The track is void of grass and would be a sporting one provided the sky stays clear and weather remains bright." "I think it would be much better surface than on what we have witnessed during the last week. Those pitches, where we saw teams scoring less than 150, were a bit wet. Now when there is enough time for the curators to roll the surface, it would be a much improved surface."

Regarding New Zealand's strength, he said they had a balanced side. "They have got some good batsmen up front and it is their fast bowling that could be considered as their strongest point. They have got all the ingredients to give a tough time to Pakistan." Intikhab called on the Pakistan supporters to storm the Wanderers on Saturday as their presence would be of great help for the players.