``They are an excellent side,'' said West Indies manager Clive Lloyd about their opponents. ``One of the best in the world.''
Skipper Brian Lara was of similar opinion. ``I think Pakistan are a brilliant team. They are a bit inconsistent sometimes like any other side,but when they play well,they can be a very difficult team to beat.''
Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail considered the Caribbeans an extremely tough proposition. ``They are very, very competitive.They have beaten us on a number of occasions.It won't be easy for us'',said Sohail.
The West Indies practised at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium in the morning and as was the case during their last two outings, they had long sessions at the nets.
``Obviously we had some solid practice and the players are looking forward to tomorrow's match with immense interest'', said Lloyd.
About the possibility of Pakistani spinners creating problems for his side, Lloyd said, ``I do not know them,so it's not of any concern.''
Brian Lara admitted that they would miss the services of fast bowling ace Curtly Ambrose,but he has reasons to believe that his team could have the better of Pakistan. ``Naturally our expectation is to win. We definitely would feel the absence of Ambrose,but the guys are eager to show their worth.I believe if we can perform up to our capabilities, we should be coming out on top.''When his attention was drawn to the fact that all the captains have contributed handsomely to their team's causes and how he intends to play in today's game, Lara diplomatically declared, ``my personal expectation is to see my team win. However I am very much aware that I have a contribution to make.''
The West Indies will follow a conventional approach in batting.Aggressive specialist openers Clayton Lambert and Philo Wallace have established a fine understanding and will try to give their side a blistering start.But the impetus has to be taken by Lara and vice captain Carl Hooper,who according to Lloyd has become more consistent these days and is playing, ``..up to 30 per cent of his potential.''
Both Lara and Lloyd believes that fielding is a significant feature of their team.The bowling, unlike the traditional pace dependence, has a lot of variation with the raw pace of Nixon McLean,Marvyn Dillon and Reon King,spin of Raul Lewis and Hooper and the medium pace of Phil Simmons.
Pakistan coach Javed Miandad promised they would play positive cricket despite the absence of two world class batsmen in Saeed Anwar and Injamam Ul-Haq. ``I dont think about who is playing or not. I am happy with yhe side I have and we will play to win.''
Skipper Sohail vowed to start afresh after the Test series defeat to Australia. ``That loss is history now.This is a different ball game. We want to prove ourselves.''
Pakistan's will depend heavily on the explosive genius of the swashbuckling Shahed Afridi. In the absence of experienced compatriots, Sohail has the added responsibility.
Salim Malik and Ejaj Ahmed are battle hardened professionals and should relish the opportunity of cutting lose on the batsman-friendly Bangabandhu Stadium wicket.
The incomparable Wasim Akram with his destructive pace and movement leads the bowling department. Off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is a class apart.Aaqib Javed has the experience to rise to difficult situations.
Statistics favour the West Indies.In 83 one day international matches between the sides,the Caribbeans have won 55 times, losing 26 in the process.They have played two tied games.