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January 20, 2000

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Akram seeks Test record now

Pakistani captain Wasim Akram has set his eyes on becoming Test cricket's most successful bowler after breaking the 400-wicket barrier in the one-day game on Wednesday.

The lethal left-armer became the first bowler to claim 400 one-day wickets during the tri-series international against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The 32-year-old also has 383 Test wickets, putting him fifth in line behind record holder Kapil Dev (434), Richard Hadlee, Courtney Walsh and Ian Botham.

"It was very satisfying, a very memorable moment," said Akram about the milestone, which came when he had Damien Martyn caught.

"I am still some wickets away in the Tests, but I know I can get there if nothing drastic happens.

"I still have a lot to contribute. God willing, the Test record will also be there," he said.

Akram's biggest challenge remains his battle with diabetes, which he contracted two years back, needing insulin injections to keep his blood sugar in check.

"I am taking precautions, but I have to be careful all the time," Akram said.

The Pakistani captain said his team's 81-run defeat to Australia, however, took the gloss away from his milestone.

"It would have been better had we won," he said.

"No batsman stayed there, we kept losing wickets regularly. Our fielding was pathetic. It is one area we must improve if we are to do well in the series."

Australia piled up 286 in 49.4 overs and then shot Pakistan out for 205 before a sell-out crowd of 40,000 at the day-night international.

Pakistan made a gallant bid for victory, racing to 100-2 in just 13 overs, before leg-spinner Stuart MacGill stemmed the tide with 4-19 in his maiden one-day appearance.

Pakistan lost their last eight wickets for 105 runs to suffer their second consecutive defeat.

Australia's win gave them a clear lead in the league table with eight points from five matches.

Pakistan have four points from four games, while India have lost all their three matches so far.

India take on Pakistan in the next match at Hobart on Friday, needing a win to stay afloat in the series.

"All is not lost for us," Akram said. "I am confident we will improve our game and make sure we reach the finals.

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