``Obviously we will like to improve our record by clinching the third trophy in Dhaka as we already have two,'' said the most successful Indian skipper who makes a record of playing 300 one-day when he goes for the toss on Wednesday.
He touched the world record of playing the highest number of one-day matches (273) during the Independence Cup also in Dhaka early this year and his team won the trophy. India clinched the Asia Cup Trophy in 1988 in Dhaka.
Azharuddin needs just 95 more runs to pass Desmond Haynes' world record of 8648 runs in one-day internationals.
``I know all are enthusiastically waiting ... I know my father's excitement,'' he said ahead of the milestone, recalling his father, grandfather, all of his school and boyhood friends as well as others whose contribution took him to this position.
Addressing a press conference at Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka Monday, the tall handsome guy, however, laid more emphasis on his team's performance to win the one-off ``do-or-die'' tournament.
``We believe in team sprit and will play collectively to confirm the hattrick of winning trophies in Bangladesh,'' he said.
Azharuddin along with team manager Anshuman Gaekwad came to the hotel straight from practice ground where his team-mates were on warm-up. The Indians who arrived in Dhaka Sunday will take on Australia in the third quarter final of the Wills Cup on Wednesday.
Asked about their opponent, Azhar once again said they consider every team as tough and strong. The Indian captain informed that he will bat on number three position, but ``the batting order can be changed for match's demand. He also informed that he would take decision whether to bat or field after the toss. And added Gaekwad: ``Even New Zealand can win the trophy as nothing is certain in one-day cricket.'' [New Zealand have been eliminated since.]
As the pre-quarter final and first quarter final were high scoring matches, Azharuddin expects their quarter final against Australia will also be a good scoring one. ``Our batting line is very strong and we are optimistic.''
As Bangabandhu National Stadium is a lucky ground for India, specially where they won the Independence Cup by chasing a huge 314 of Pakistan, Azhar said their playing experience in Dhaka will not be an extra advantage.
When asked whether their morale is down after the one-off Test defeat to Zimbabwe and also a one-dayer, the veteran Indian said: it does for a while, but we played a lot of matches and our record is good. Boys' morale is still high.
``All the players are very enthusiastic to show their best performances. We will do our best and we expect a very good result in the tournament,'' said Azharuddin, always supported by Dhaka crowd.
Anshuman Gaekwad told the newsmen that they had a conditioning camp before flying to Dhaka. ``And again the basics were renewed in the camp,'' he said when asked what new was trained by Simpson.
He said they had no extra preparation for the first ever bowls-off in an international tournament. ``Bowlers always practise to break the stump and that's all,'' he said adding five bowlers will instantly be selected if it comes.
The Indian squad:
Mohammad Azharuddin (capt), Ajay Jadeja, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Robin Singh, Nayan Mongia, Anil Kumble, Sunil Joshi, Venkatesh Prasad, Ajit Agarkar, Javagal Srinath, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Nikhil Chopra.