Pakistanis wary of ‘unpredictable’ Windies

However, Pakistan team manager Salim Altaf has warned the tourists against complacency saying the Pakistanis did not take any comfort in South Africa’s commanding 5-0 sweep of the West Indies and that the "unpredictable" Caribbean side were still a dangerous unit.

Pakistan has been preparing in Antigua for a three-match limited overs series against the West Indies starting tomorrow in St Vincent. The West Indies lost the final match of the series Sunday, the first time ever that the team failed to win a match in a one-day international series at home.

"The West Indies are an unpredictable side," manager Salim Altaf said. "Just to say they have been beaten by South Africa, quite frankly that doesn’t mean anything to us."

Altaf said Pakistan respects the abilities of West Indies players, especially Brian Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle.

"Each (one-day international) has to be played as a separate entity," Altaf said. "We are fully aware of (their) capabilities." Pakistan beat Antigua and Barbuda by 248 runs in a warm-up match on Sunday. "It was an all-around effort," the manager said.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said he expected a stiff challenge from the West Indies in their series despite the licking the regional side received from the South Africans. "I think they have played against a strong South African team, but I think they are rebuilding and they will be tough opposition," Woolmer said.

"It is important for us to be geared up and hit the road running in the series because it is so short."

Both teams have arrived in St Vincent with Lara not arriving with the regional side. Team officials said Lara will be rested for the opening match of the series. Team manager Tony Howard said he does not believe the absence of Lara is going to have much of an effect.

"He was not here last year against Bangladesh and we won both games, so I do not think him not being here will create much of a problem," Howard said.

The West Indies have made two changes for the match with Pedro Collins replacing his younger brother, Fidel Edwards, and Ryan Hinds coming in for Lara.