Date-stamped : 24 Jun97 - 14:19 8 May 1997 NZ Opens Against Depleted Pakistan CHANDIGARH -- Pakistan has seldom been so vulnerable as it is entering the Independence Cup quadrangular one-day cricket match against New Zealand at Mohali, near Chandigarh, tomorrow. The Pakistanis are missing five frontline players, among them world-class fast bowlers Wasim Akram, their regular captain, and Waqar Younis. Akram and Younis were excused from the quadrangular series, being staged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of India's independence from British rule, to ply their trade on the English country circuit. Another of Pakistan's potential match-winners, leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, and young tearaway fast bowler Mohammad Zahid, are likewise playing in England, while talented seamer Shahid Nazir has been ruled out of the four-nation series, which also feature host India and World Cup holder Sri Lanka, because of a back injury. Countering the absence of such quality players is the return from illness of punishing opening batsman Saeed Anwar and the re-emergence of fast-medium bowler Aaqib Javed. New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, while acknowledging Pakistan's vulnerability, warned that nothing too much should be read into the composition of the side. "Pakistan have proven their depth of talent before. Often what you get when you bring in second-string players is a better attitude," Fleming said. The absence of Akram and Younis, in particular, robs Pakistan of potent firepower and the experience gained from more than 400 one-day internationals between them. "For once I think we may have the edge on them for experience," Fleming said. "It is up to our experienced guys to put their hands up, perform, and set a platform to help out some of the lesser experienced players to come through in a relaxed way," Fleming said. Rookie tourists Craig McMillan and Shayne O'Connor, however, could be assigned a look, listen, and learn brief. There is no guarantee the two newcomers will be blooded during the tournament. Coach Steve Rixon makes no apologies if Canterbury batsman McMillan and Otago left arm medium-fast bowler O'Connor return home without a game. "You blood people when you have got the time and the extra games to do so," Rixon said yesterday. "We have to pick our best team always," Rixon said. New Zealand escaped with a two-run victory in an unofficial 40 overs per side match against a Chandigarh Administrator's XI at the Sector 16 stadium in Chandigary yesterday. The local side comprised four New Zealand players and seven Punjabis who have played for their state in the Rangi Trophy first class competition. The Kiwis laboured for their win, their score of 181 for nine looking vulnerable when one of their own, Canterbury batsman Craig McMillan, showed his talents with a fighting unbeaten 54 that took the Chandigarh XI to the brink of an unlikely victory. The Chandigarh side's challenge eventually ended at 179 for seven. New Zealand 181-9 (Chris Cairns 61, Matt Horne 38, Stephen Fleming 21 not out; Bharti Vij 4-28, Andrew Penn 3-36, Shane O'Connor 1-35) bt Chandigarh Administrators' 11 178-7 (Craig McMillan 54 not out, Dinesh Mongia 52; Dipak Patel 2-41, Chris Harris 1-14, Heath Davis 1-39) by two runs. -- NZPA. Source :: The Christchurch Press (http://www.press.co.nz) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com).