REBEL turned hero Javed Miandad produced the perfect finish in Karachi yesterday as World Cup holders Pakistan brushed past England to put a controversy-packed week behind them.
The 38-year-old veteran, unhappy over being stranded at number six, was moved up one place in the order and duly helped complete a seven-wicket Group B win in front of his fanatical home crowd.
Wasim Akram, who had been offered Miandad's full support before the game to dispel suggestions of a rift, said: "There can only be one opinion about Miandad - he's a great player."
The victory, after England bad opted to bat and made 249 for nine, sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final tie with India, in Bangalore.
"We don't mind where we play" said Wasim. "We are ready for anyone."
Pakistan, beaten only by South Africa, now have six points with New Zealand to play. Unlucky England, facing yet another injury crisis, have four points from five-games and will take on Group A winners Sri Lanka in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
A much-improved England, despite their defeat, might have ended the day with something to cheer about if it hadn't been for an injury to middle-order flair player Neil Fairbrother.
Smith, in his first game of the tournament, and Michael Atherton transformed the mood with a high-class 147-run opening stand that gave England the look of real contenders.
The middle order collapse that followed - three wickets tumbled for nine runs and all nine for 100 - robbed Atherton's side of any chance of victory but a professional bowling and fielding display underlined England's improvement.
