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When Pakistan or India or both are playing cricket here either of the two is billed favourite even before a ball has been bowled. But not this time.

Basking in the glory of last week's win in the third Test against England and of edging out Australia from the finals of the tri-nation one day contest in January, New Zealand are regarded here "the team to watch" than the two Asian giants, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Notwithstanding that two of their one-day specialists, Chris Cairns and Daniel Vettori are not in the Sharjah Cup squad, the Kiwis still look the most improved of the three sides contesting for the title and the $120,000 prize money.

The New Zealand playing here and which will move over to Pakistan on April 18 for a three Test and one-day series, has undergone six changes from the team which drew the Test series 1-1 against England.

Vettori is being rested following a back injury, Chris Drum has retired while Brendon McCullum, who did not perform well against England has been dropped. Also not included are the injured trio of Lou Vincent, Shane Bond and Dion Nash.

From Pakistan's point of view the man to watch is Nathan Astle. He is in great form. He has a commendable record against Pakistan already and with a one-day century and the fastest ever Test double hundred, both against England only two weeks ago, Waqar Younis and his bowlers may be well advised to draw an effective strategy against Astle.

Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming, who himself has been going through a lean period this summer, appeared quite confident during the net practice here on Sunday. "We must make the best use of his (Astle's) tremendous form."

Fleming was apparently being modest when replying to a question he said, "we have to make best use of the available talent". But Fleming has a point. His key all-rounder and the man who has been responsible for a number of New Zealand wins in the past, Cairns, is not here. And Fleming is obviously missing him. "Injuries are part of the game. We cannot do anything about it," he added.

New Zealand play their first match, the second of the tournament against Sri Lanka Tuesday.

© Dawn