Pakistan ready for New Zealand on mystery pitch today

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka, Mar 7 (AFP): In-form Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq said his team was ready for the double challenge of facing New Zealand as well as a mystery World Cup pitch Tuesday. The Group A rivals meet at the newly-built Pallekele stadium in the first- ever one-day match at the venue, a factor which vice-captain Misbah believes will give both teams plenty to think about. "Of course, it adds to the challenge because we don't know how the pitch will behave but that's the same for both teams, and as far as we are concerned we are up to the challenge," Misbah said Monday. The 36-year-old has anchored the Pakistan team in the World Cup with two half-centuries against Kenya and Sri Lanka and a hard-fought 37 in the last match against Canada. Pakistan sit top of Group A with six points after three matches, followed by co-hosts Sri Lanka (five points in four) and defending champions Australia (five after three), with New Zealand fourth with four in three matches. Misbah said Pakistan's recent one-day series win over New Zealand will count for nothing. "We have done well against them in World Cups and in the recent series there but that win will count for nothing as it's a new game at a new place," said Misbah, of Pakistan's 3-2 win in New Zealand last month.