Johannesburg, Sept. 29: Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan played the diplomat to the hilt on the eve of his team’s match against Australia at Centurion near here on Wednesday. It has so transpired that if Pakistan win, it would throw arch-rivals and fellow Group A side India a lifeline in the ongoing 2009 Champions Trophy.

Asked if he would help India’s cause, and at the prospect of Indian fans rooting for a Pakistan victory, Younis said, "We’ll be trying our best — my wish is to win against the top teams, like South Africa, Australia and India.

"Everyone knows there are many followers of Indian team in Pakistan and vice versa, then what is the problem? Whoever plays well on the day will do well — that day at Centurion (where Pakistan won by 54 runs) we played well, everyone should support us and vice versa.

"When we played who was the biggest winner? Cricket!"

In a press conference dominated by likelihood of a Pakistan win benefiting India, Younis also tried to play down expectations. "In my mind there is nothing about if I lose, India will be out or anything like that. In my mind it is only about what I can do for my country. If we win against Australia, great because maybe in the final we can play against a top team like India or Australia."

"In any case, India and Pakistan should play. If we do not play, cricket will not benefit. Players become big when they perform in these matches — both sides should play, always the biggest crowd there. The biggest sold out crowd here was for the Centurion game with India."

"I would like to ask everyone to keep it normal — don’t hype us up too much if we beat India or if India lose don’t bring them down so much. Life should not be only about winning or losing — it should go on as normal. If Dhoni loses then don’t get after him or get after us if we lose. This is wrong."