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Last Updated: Friday, 5 March, 2004, 08:05 GMT
Pakistan opt for experience
Saqlain Mushtaq
Spinner Saqlain has 288 wickets from 169 one-day internationals
Pakistan have recalled Saqlain Mushtaq and Shahid Afridi for the first two one-day internationals in their home series against India.

Neither was in the squad in New Zealand earlier this year when Pakistan lost the one-dayers 4-1.

All-rounder Iftikhar Anjum is the only uncapped player in the 16-man squad for games in Karachi and Rawalpindi.

"The team is well balanced in all departments of the game," chief selector Wasim Bari commented.

Saqlain's experience earned him selection ahead of Danish Kaneria, who will be held back for the Tests.

He last played against South Africa last October, a series which saw him receive a reprimand for verbally abusing coach Javed Miandad.

"Saqlain can be handy in both types of cricket. HE also has a good record against India," said Bari.

Afridi is one of the most aggressive batsmen in world cricket and hit a record 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1996.

Shahid Afridi
Afridi led Pakistan A in a one-day competition in India last November

The 23-year-old also offers a useful extra bowling option with his leg breaks and is also a fine fielder.

He returns to the squad a year on from the clear-out which followed Pakistan's disappointing World Cup performance when they failed to progress beyond the first round group stage.

Pakistan will play five one-day internationals against India, the first taking place on 13 March.

They will be followed by three Tests in what is India's first full tour of Pakistan since 1989.


Pakistan squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Yousuf Youhana, Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Moin Khan (wkt), Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Younis Khan, Shabbir Ahmed, Iftikhar Anjum, Naveed-ul-Hasan, Saqlain Mushtaq.


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