Victory over New Zealand at Derby on Friday will seal their place in the second round. A win against Bangladesh on May 31 at Northampton will give them five wins out of five in Group B and go a long way to assuring them a place in the semi-finals.

If Akram were to lift the trophy on June 20 at Lord's, he would emulate his mentor Imran Khan's 1992 triumph.

Imran, however, while a fine captain, was a fading force as an individual.

If anybody suspected the same of Akram before this tournament, they cannot now.

Even at 33, he remains that rare jewel -- a player able to turn games with either bat or ball.

Against the West Indies, Pakistan were struggling at 135 for six before he came in and hit 43 not out off 28 balls. Against Scotland, they were 92 for five. He made an undefeated 37 off 19balls.

Against Australia, it was with the ball that he made his mark, removing opener Adam Gilchrist with his third delivery and finishing with four for 40, including the last two wickets in his final over.

Many had thought Akram was over the hill but he warmed up for the tournament with successive Test hat-tricks. Here, he currently boasts a batting average of 46.50 and seven wickets at 14.28 runs apiece.

``I have been written off many times before. It's nothing new and does not bother me,'' he says.

Australia's Steve Waugh is just ahead of him in the batting averages, and Lance Klusener just behind him with the ball, but no all-rounder is close to him in both disciplines.

A few months ago, New Zealand's pre-match team talk would have centred on Pakistan's crop of young players. Akram would have earned a mention only as a captain able to unite his divisive troops.

Now, however, his batting and left-arm pace are sure to feature in discussions.

The World Cup, it appears, brings out the best inhim. Akram was instrumental in Pakistan's win against England in the 1992 final in Melbourne, when he smashed 33 off 19 balls and removed Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis with successive deliveries.

There is only one blot on the landscape.

Akram's sacking as captain followed match-fixing allegations. Torturous inquiries into the affair are continuing.

Some people suspect the findings of the probe were delayed so as not to coincide with the World Cup.

Akram, however, is well aware that his best insurance policy against censure would be to return home with the trophy in his suitcase. Nobody would dare put the captain of the World Cup champions in the dock.