Expect changes for Ireland game, says Inzamam

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mar 16 (Reuters) Inzamam-ul-Haq said there would be ''one or two changes'' in Pakistan's must-win World Cup Group D match against Ireland at Sabina Park tomorrow, almost certainly relating to the batting order.

Pakistan were dismissed for 187 on the same ground on Tuesday by West Indies when chasing 242 to win, which Inzamam said was ''a gettable score''.

That defeat means Pakistan cannot afford a slip-up against Ireland and then next week against Zimbabwe. The Africans and Zimbabwe shared an enthralling tie on Thursday.

EARLY EXIT A shock defeat would result in an early exit from the March 13-April 28 tournament for the 1992 champions Pakistan.

''There will be one or two changes, probably with the batting order but it will be decided in the evening team meeting,'' Inzamam told reporters.

''The Irish are a very professional side, some play county cricket and the way they played the other day showed the kind of professionals they have.

''Because of the defeat against the West Indies this next game is not going to be as easy as people think but we will go out and play hard and give it our best shot.

''Ireland's match has been the most interesting game of the World Cup so far and we don't take any team lightly,'' Inzamam added. ''We will be looking to play the best cricket we can.'' There is a possibility, as suggested by coach Bob Woolmer yesterday, that wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal will be promoted to opener with Mohammad Hafeez dropping down the order.

Inzamam admitted that the failure of the top order is putting too much pressure on the experienced middle-order of Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and himself.

''If the top order doesn't perform, yes there is a vacuum which is created because the middle-order gets under a lot of pressure.

But we will try to rectify that,'' he said.

Meantime, all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who completes the fourth and final match of his ICC ban with the Ireland game, has been advising his team mates on Ireland after he played for them in the C&G Trophy in the United Kingdom last year.

''He has told us about their plusses and minuses and we've taken his advice into consideration,'' Inzamam added.

REUTERS DH PM0107