Qadir sees India in semis; says no hopes for Pak, Aussies

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) Team India have the wherewithal to reach the semifinals of the World Cup but world champion Australia, after losing the aura of invincibility, and former champion Pakistan will fall by the wayside, predicted Pakistani former spinner Abdul Qadir.

Talking to reporters here today, the former leggie was convinced about the capabilities of the Rahul Dravid-led side and he felt the Men in Blue have fair chance in the showpiece tournament. He also tipped New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka to reach the semifinals and considered the hosts to be the dark horse of the tournament in the Caribbean.

''India has a formidable batting line-up, which, if clicks, can outscore any other team. The bowling is well-balanced too and that makes them a favourite to reach.'' ''Going by current form, New Zealand looks the top team. They have a bowler like Shane Bond in their ranks who can take five wickets in a match. That certainly gives them an edge. Then there is South Africa close on their heel. India and Sri Lanka are the two Asian teams likely to reach the last four stage,'' he said.

Qadir also warned that the hosts might gatecrash into the party and run away with the silverware.

''You just can't underestimate West Indies. They would be as dangerous as a tiger in its den. Don't forget they have tasted the triumph earlier and have a solid batting line-up with (Chris) Gayle, (Ramnaresh) Sarwan and (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul. And finally, this would be (Brian) Lara's last hurrah,'' he elaborated.

''Their bowling is not great but it's hostile enough,'' he added.

On Team India, Qadir feels the side has got the right balance.

''It's a well-balanced side. India is a mediocre fielding side but their superior batting can make up for that.'' ''On bowling front, Zaheer (Khan) has come back as an improved player and you have (S) Sreesanth as well. Sreesanth caught my eyes early and I tipped him to be a star for the future. At times he tries too hard of course, but that boy is a fighter to the core.

Zaheer and Sreesanth can make a lethal new-ball pair,'' he explained.

Qadir, however, felt that if include, Ramesh Powar could have played an important role in the Caribbean.

''You have (Anil) Kumble and Harbhajan (Singh) who can make life difficult for the batsmen in the West Indies but Powar could have added to the strength. He is a quality offie and has proved his mettle,'' he added.

Meanwhile, admitting that Australia can always bounce back, Qadir, however, felt that with other teams gaining confidence from the Aussies' recent slump in form, Ricky Ponting's side might come a cropper this time.

''Last six matches have given new lease of hope for all other teams. Now everyone has started to believe that they also can beat Australia. The competition has become more even and I feel Australia might fail to make the cut in the semifinals,'' he said.

Asked why he sees no hope for Pakistan, the foremost wrist-spinner of the 1970s and 80s said, ''I don't give them a chance, for the team has got no proper strategy, the fitness level is abysmally low and there is simply no cohesion in the team.'' Qadir is here as captain of the senior Pakistan cricket team which plays three matches against its Indian counterpart, led by Mohd Azharuddin. The first match is scheduled to be played in Udaipur tomorrow, followed by games in Calicut (Feb 25) and Meerut (Feb 27).

UNI