SHARJAH. United Arab Emira, tes. Apr 3: Pakistani cricket, dogged by. betting scandals, player

revolts and poor form. Rets a chance to redeem itself at the

four-nation Asia Cup which opens here Wednesday, reports AFP.

The World Cup champions have more than Just their reputation at stake as they return to their favourite off-shore venue for the regional limited-overs contest against arch-rivals India. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

A win here will help erase memories of a horrendous season in which Pakistan slumped to an all-time low. losing the Mandela Trophy in South Africa and crashing to a stunning Test defeat against minnows Zimbabwe.

To worsen matters, skipper Salim Malik was sacked in disgrace over a betting scandal, two key players Basit All and Rashid Latif quit in disgust, and Jeading fast bowler Waqar Younis suffered a crippling back injury.

If the new-look team under wicketkeeper Moin Khan loses the Asia Cup. Pakistani cricket will be thrown into further turmoil, less than a year before it co-hosts the World Cup with India and Srl Lanka.

Moin Khan. 23. a former ■national Junior captain, will be under additional pressure: Pakistan have never won the Asia Cup. while India have won it thrice and Sri Lanka once.

But the brilliant Pakistanis can never be written off at this desert venue where they have won five of the last six tournaments since 1990. making it a second home for them.

The Indians, for whom de-

feat against Pakistan is akin to a national disaster, have lost 12 of the 15 matches they have played against their arch-rivals at Sharjah.

But they see the Asia Cup as their best chance to break the Jinx.

"It could be different this year." predicted Indian manager Ajit Wadekar. "We are bursting with confidence not only because our batting is in tremendous form, but also because Pakistan are going through a bit of turmoil.

"Moreover, we've always done well in the Asia Cup ... I would say this Is our best chance in a long time.” Wadekar said.

As always, India's hopes rest on 21-year-old vice-captain Sachin Tendulkar, rated by many as a better batsman than West Indian record holder Brian Lara.

Tendulkar's explosive starts fired India to three Important one-day titles this season — the Signer Cup in Srl Lanka against Pakistan and Australia, a triangular series at home against the West Indians.

The master batsman was in terrific form last month, slamming five centuries in six Innings while leading Bombay to victory in the domestic Ranjl Trophy championships.

But India faltered in the centenary series in New Zealand in February, confirming doubts of their ability to win on foreign soil — especially in Sharjah.

'The tension of playing in Sharjah always exists." Wadekar admitted. "It's not that we lose faith in our. ability but somehow our game invariably goes awry against Pakistan."

Besides fighting their own battles. India and Pakistan will also have to contend with a resurgent Srl Lanka, boosted by their first ever Test win abroad at New Zealand's ex-

pense.

The Sri Lankans are always a dangerous side and winning an away series does wonders to your morale." Wadekar said. "No one can take them liglitly."

Bangladesh, the only non-Test playing nation in the fray.

recently overcame second-string teams from their three senior neighbours during the SAARC tournament at home.

But they may not have the firepower to test the established teams.

Each team will play the other once in the round-robin league, with the top two advancing to the final on April 14.