form fast bowler Umar Gul has set his sights on ripping through Sachin Tendulkar and the Indian top order in Wednesday's World Cup semifinal. Gul has taken the new ball in each of Pakistan's last three games and now wants the wickets of India's top three, Virender Sehwag, Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir. “I think definitely the first three wickets are crucial, the top order,” Gul said Monday. “I'm looking for these three batsmen.” Wednesday's match is expected to come down to a straight duel between Pakistan's in-form bowlers and India's strong batting lineup. Against Australia, Gul dismissed opener Shane Watson to set Pakistan on its way to a four-wicket win. In the quarterfinal against West Indies, Gul again struck with the new ball to prevent West Indies dangerman Chris Gayle making an impact. “For the last two to three years, (Pakistan coach) Waqar Younis has been telling me to get prepared to use the new ball in the World Cup,” Gul said. “I have returned to my best form by bowling with the new ball again.” Gul's ability to produce reverse swing with the older ball has proved equally threatening. The 26-year-old has taken 14 wickets in the tournament, making him and captain Shahid Afridi two of the most productive bowlers at the World Cup. “I always enjoy my bowling, especially against India,” Gul said. Gul has taken on India in 12 ODIs, with a best return of 4-57 at Dhaka in 2008, but the highlight of his career against Pakistan's fiercest rival came in the 2003-4 Test series when he claimed the wickets of Sehwag, Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman and finished with 5-31 to help his team level the series in Lahore. With India's batsmen generally comfortable against spin, pace could make the difference Wednesday. Gul just hopes that the pitch at Mohali's PCA Stadium is helpful to quick bowlers, as it has been in the past. “The pitch has a little grass on it,” he said. “We hope that it helps a little bounce as in the past, but we will have to wait and see how it is tomorrow.” Gul also said Monday he would welcome the return of the 35-year-old Shoaib Akhtar for the winner-takes-all clash. “Shoaib Akhtar is an experienced bowler who has performed well against India. If he plays, it will take some of the pressure off me. When he was not there, there was a lot of pressure on me.” And he insisted Akhtar had not been sidelined. “He has been rested for a few games to find fitness and form but has been practising now for two to three days.” Gul could well have been the ‘third seamer' if Pakistan had come into the World Cup with the new-ball duo of Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir. “In the dressing room, players are supporting each other and there is a lot of unity.” Tait retires from ODIs Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait has retired from one-day cricket, hoping to prolong his career in Twenty20 internationals. The 28-year-old Tait, who no longer plays first class cricket, announced his decision Monday, saying the toll of playing both limited over forms placed too much strain on his body and he didn't want to be forced into retirement by injury. Tait played 35 ODIs for Australia, taking 62 wickets at an average of 23.56.
