Latif still suffering from nausea after Zaheer’s bouncer
Sunday, March 2 2003 23:18 Hrs (IST)

Johannesburg: Pakistani wicket-keeper-batsman Rashid Latif, who was hit on his helmet by a Zaheer Khan bouncer during the India-Pakistan World Cup game at Centurion, on Sunday, said he was still suffering from nausea.

"I am still suffering a bit of nausea. It was a hard blow on my head," Latif said.

But the gutsy player did not seem to bear any ill-will towards Zaheer and was full of praise for the Indian paceman for the manner in which he bowled in the death overs, varying his pace and length and generally keeping the batsmen guessing.

Latif was taken to hospital for a precautionary X-ray after Pakistan's innings ended.

By the time he returned, the match was as good as over, thanks largely to an onslaught by Sachin Tendulkar.

"The Indians were on a roll and too much of the run chase had already been accomplished by the Indians by the half-way stage," Latif said.

Latif said he did not expect the Indians to perform so well against his side and praised the winners for the discipline they showed on the field.

"They were very disciplined and that is what has struck me as important about them," said Latif.

"But I thought their bowlers were nervous in the final overs when we were attacking them."

There was a general air of despondency in the Pakistan camp on Sunday after its fourth consecutive defeat at the hands of the Indians in World Cup matches.

Pakistan now flies to Bulawayo where it will face Zimbabwe on Tuesday in its last chance to make it to the Super Sixes.

PTI

Extras:
Pakistan's defeat evokes subdued response back home