Play with fire to beat Aussies, says Akram

05 March,2011 06:07 AM IST |   |  AFP

Pakistan great Wasim Akram, the last captain to beat Australia in a World Cup match, says teams need a plan and fire in the belly to end the side's long run of success at the World Cup


Pakistan great Wasim Akram, the last captain to beat Australia in a World Cup match, says teams need a plan and "fire in the belly" to end the side's long run of success at the World Cup.

Australia, who play Group A rivals Sri Lanka on Saturday, have not lost a match at the showpiece tournament since going down to Pakistan at Leeds in 1999.

"You need a plan in the mind and fire in the belly to beat Australia," Akram told AFP. "Have a set plan and your body language should be like that of champions."

Wasim, who took 4-40 in the 1999 win against Australia, said Pakistan's body language was worthy of winners as they downed Steve Waugh's men by 10 runs.

"We had a successful run in the group stages and I remember we planned well for the Australia match, but sadly we lost the final when it mattered the most for the World Cup title and the Australians were better," said Wasim. Pakistan lost a one-sided final at Lord's by eight wickets after being dismissed for just 132.

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World Cup Wasim Akram beat Australia long run of success