Aussies beatable says Pakistan cricket ace Shoaib Akhtar by AFP

---

Player:	Shoaib Akhtar
Event:	ICC Champions Trophy 2006/07

---

DateLine: 27th September 2006

 

Fit-again paceman Shoaib Akhtar on Wednesday said world champions Australia are beatable in next month's Champions Trophy as well as in next year's World Cup and that Pakistan can be their nemesis.

 

"Australians are beatable and we have beaten them and other sides have come close to wins against them. If Pakistan play up to their potential, yes, we can be one of the sides to beat the Aussies," Akhtar told AFP.

 

The 31-year-old fast bowler looked in fine fettle while inaugurating his former colleague and pace partner Wasim Akram's shoe shop here.

 

Akhtar, who missed Pakistan's last one-day international against England two weeks ago due to ankle injury, said he is raring to have a go in the ICC (International Cricket Council) Champions Trophy to be held in India.

 

"It's an awesome tournament with world best eight teams competing and I feel Pakistan has a good chance to win the trophy, I would love to see a Pakistan-Australia final.

 

"Recently in Kuala Lumpur, India came close to beating Australia and if you sustain the pressure from Australia you can beat them," said Akhtar, who wants another showdown with Australian paceman Brett Lee.

 

"Lee was in fine form in the Malaysia tri-series last week so it would be great fun to be in the opposite side of Lee and it's always an enjoyable duel," said Akhtar, regarded as world's fastest bowler alongside Lee.

 

Akhtar, who has 165 Tests and 208 one-day wickets, said Indian pitches would suit Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.

 

"Pakistan has not won Champions Trophy yet but this would be a good chance because the pitches and weather would be to our liking but we will have to play the best cricket to win a tournament where other seven teams have equal chance," he said.

 

The fast bowler, who has recovered from an ankle bruise he sustained before the fifth and final one-day against England at Birmingham, said it would be tough to stay fit given playing schedules are hectic.

 

"We play the Champions Trophy, then against the West Indies and then tour South Africa before the World Cup so it's tough and one has to be very wise to keep fitness," he said.

 

Akhtar missed a Test series against England due to an ankle injury, but he took nine wickets in four one-day internationals against England and bowled, on average, at 145 kilometres (90 miles) per hour.

 

"I still have to work hard to get into my rhythm, hopefully it will come in India where the crowds give you the sort of encouragement you need to bowl at your best," he said.

 

Akhtar was also bullish about Pakistan's prospects in the World Cup in the Caribbean next year.

 

"We are going to try to win it and, of course, we are one of the best teams in the world. I don't believe in favourites but if we play to what our potential is, we can win the trophy," he said.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)