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Kaneria wants to make the most of World Cup berth
14th Feb 2007  19.05 IST
By Agencies  


Danish Kaneria had lost all hopes of playing in the World Cup after being overlooked for the one-day series in South Africa but the leg-spinner's prayers were answered when he got a surprise call-up for the showpiece event in Caribbean.

An important member of Pakistan's Test side, Kaneria was kept out of the one-dayers as the team think tank felt that the promising leggie was not a helpful bat and did not fit into the combination.

Kaneria responded to the criticism by playing domestic cricket and training hard. He also regularly went to the Shivshankar Mandir in Karachi to seek divine help and his prayers were finally heard Tuesday when he was included in the World Cup squad.

"This has been possible due to the prayers of my wife and family. I had visited the Mandir on Monday for a final plea because I would have been devastated if not picked in the World Cup," said Kaneria, only the second Hindu to play for Pakistan after cousin Anil Dalpat.

Kaneria said he had always had a strong faith and even in his worst times waited for things to change.

"This is my big chance now. It is a chance where I can finally break through into the one-day team as a permanent player," he said.

The 26-year old has played just one limited overs international against Scotland since December 2006 without missing any of Pakistan's last 30 Tests in the last two and half years.

"I am confident I will be able to leave an impact in the World Cup. The other teams have also packed their side with spinners so everyone is expecting the pitches in the West Indies to assist the slow bowlers," he said.

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In-Depth Coverage: Cricket World Cup 2007
Team Page: Pakistan
Team Page: West Indies



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