News - Fleming dreads a 'dangerous' Pak

Mohali, Oct 24: Stephen Fleming today said he was keen to cap his record 194th one-dayer as New Zealand captain by helping his side to a much needed victory against the "dangerous" but "inconsistent" Paksitan in the Champions Trophy.

Fleming, set to become the most capped ODI skipper ever with tomorrow's tie, said he would be more happy to see the team shed its underdog tag than achieving his personal milestone.

"It is nice to achieve this milestone but it will be nicer if we can win the match because a victory puts us through to the semi-finals," Fleming told reporters on the eve of the Group 'B' match at the PCA Stadium.

"We have to be more consistent in big games like this, big series and big tournaments. If you start winning these that's when you lose the underdog tag.

"We have improved in the last 24 months. Winning this game would be a good start and finishing with a good result in the World Cup is something we are looking at."

The 33-year-old left-hander said Pakistan had repeatedly proved their survival instincts when pushed with their back to the wall but that the former World Cup winners had also been erratic in their performance.

"Pakistan are a dangerous side. We have utmost respect for Pakistan as a team. They have a natural ability to thrive in adversities," Fleming said.

"They are unstoppable if they get going but they can also be inconsistent depending on how much pressure is put on them," he said.

Fleming also declared that all the players were fighting fit and available for selection for the crucial tie.

"We are in a pretty healthy state at the moment as all our players are fit. We have been in situations before when not one or two but 3-4 players have been injured at the same time." (Agencies)


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