Agence France Presse

Perth, January 31:

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq believes his team have the upper-hand in their final make or break tri-series match against the West Indies on Tuesday because of their now considerable experience on the tricky WACA wicket.

Pakistan beat the Australians in Perth on Sunday, giving them a huge psychological boost for the match that will decide which team plays the host nation in the series finals starting on Friday.

“Definitely we have the advantage because we have played one Test match here,” Inzamam said. “This track is totally different and the West Indies are playing for the first time here.”

Inzamam said they were boosted by their breakthrough three-wicket tri-series win over Australia on Sunday. Inzamam agreed that Brian Lara presented a major hurdle after he belted 156 against Pakistan last Friday. But he said Pakistan’s bowling had improved against Australia and Lara would need to be on top of his game with Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Abdul Razzaq showing better form.

Lara conceded Pakistan may have the advantage but pointed out there were plenty of players in Windies squad, who had played at WACA ground before.

The West Indies have concerns over the fitness of left-arm swing bowler Pedro Collins, who has been their most potent weapon on the tour, and batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Lara himself is also still nursing a painful wrist injury and batted one-handed in the nets during training on Monday, although he is expected to be fit to play.